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THE 


LOST DESPATCH 

<~y; Lj~f^ ; 


Translated from the German of Friedrich Friedrich. 


BY 


L. A. WILLIAMS. 



BOSTON: 

JAMES R. OSGOOD AND COMPANY, 

(Latb Ticknor & Fields, and Fields, Osgood, & Co.) 

1871. 


Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, 
By JAMES R. OSGOOD & CO., 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 


CXll<j, fa ^ l*}+G , 


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j? eta., Jj?. 


Boston : 

Stereotyped and Printed by Rand , A very , <Sr» Frye* 


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THE LOST DESPATCH. 


The Baron yon Elka was walk- 
ing with his wife in a garden laid 
out like a park. The lindens which 
arched above them, forming a shady 
roof, were in full blossom; thou- 
sands of bees hummed among the 
branches ; and every breath of wind 
bore the refreshing fragrance of 
flowers over the whole garden. The 
large and neatly-kept plots of grass 
glimmered with the freshest green, 
— an agreeable resting-point for the 
wearied eye. The garden was 
bounded by the river which flowed 
around the city ; and only occasion- 
al sounds from the noisy town pen- 
etrated to these shaded avenues. 

Silently the baron walked by the 
side of his wife. His figure was 
tall and slight, his age about fifty. 
Not the slightest glimpse of white 
was yet to be seen in his black hair ; 
but his form was somewhat bowed, 
his head a little bent, as though 
the cares and hard experiences of 
life were pressing heavily upon him. 
His face was nobly formed and fine- 
ly cut ; but its extreme pallor, as 
well as the strange, enthusiastic 
expression of his dark eyes, which 
at any excitement flashed with un- 
usual brilliancy, betra} r ed extraor- 
dinary sensitiveness and irritability 
of the nerves. 


5 ^ 

Very unlike her husband was the 
baroness. Although she was forty 
years old, the freshness of youth 
stfll rested upon her face. Her 
blue eyes could laugh as brightly 
and freely as if but twenty times 
she had seen the lindens bloom. 
With the most perfect right she 
passed still for a beautiful woman, 
who might even become dangerous 
to the heart of a young man. And 
she still felt young also. 

Wandering on, they reached a 
hillock, skilfully constructed, which 
was yet high enough to overlook 
part of the town. There the baron 
threw himself on to a garden-seat, 
exhausted. 

“ Leonore,” said he, with his eyes 
fixed upon the ground, “ the inti- 
macy between Arthur and Alice 
seems suspicious to me.” 

The baroness looked searchingly 
for a moment into the face of her 
husband. 

“You forget that Arthur is her 
cousin,” she then replied. 

A faint smile passed over the 
face of the baron. 

“ Do you think this relationship 
will prevent her from loving him, 
if they are together every day, if 
she walks and rides with him alone? 
Arthur possesses qualities well-fit- 

3 


4 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


ted to win the heart of a young 
girl.” 

The baroness did not seem to un- 
derstand the words of her husband 
aright, for her gaze was still fixed 
questioningly upon him. 

“You say yourself that he has 
amiable qualities,” she observed ; 
44 and I am convinced that Alice 
would be happy by his side.” 

44 Pray, Leonore, pursue this 
thought no further,” interrupted 
Elka. 44 I will not dispute the pos- 
sibility of their happiness. But 
Alice can never be Arthur’s wife ; 
and therefore I wish to guard their 
hearts from an affection which they 
will be compelled to overcome and 
renounce.” 

44 Oscar, I do not understand 
you,” said the baroness. 44 1 can- 
not comprehend the necessity of 
opposing the union of Arthur and 
Alice. She would have many diffi- 
culties to contend with ; for, if my 
observation is correct, they have 
already come to an understanding, 
and, their hearts are united.” 

The baron rose in great excite- 
ment. The enthusiastic expression 
vanished from his eyes : they now 
looked clear and penetrating. 

44 1 hope you* are mistaken,” he 
exclaimed almost passionately. 44 1 
wish it for Alice’s sake ; for I repeat 
once more, she can never be Ar- 
thur’s wife.” 

44 Oscar, you are speaking in rid- 
dles,” remarked the baroness. 

Elka paced swiftly up and down 
with his hands crossed behind. His 
eye glanced searchingly around to 
see if any listener were near. No 
one could approach to within thirty 


paces of the hillock without being 
seen. One was more secure there 
than within the walls of a room. 

“Leonore, I should have been 
glad if you had spared me this ex- 
planation,” he at length replied. 
“Questions are thereby touched, 
the discussion of which is disagree- 
able to us both. And yet you must 
know all. I love Arthur, not be- 
cause he is my sister’s son, but 
because his frank, cheerful disposi- 
tion has won my heart; but his 
circumstances compel me to be 
against him. It is* for his interest 
to choose a wealthy maiden ; and a 
like interest restricts me in choos- 
ing a husband for Alice. It is 
painful to me to confess that I need 
a rich or influential son-in-law, on 
whom I can lean; and Arthur would 
in no wise afford me this support. 
I have sacrificed my property to 
my position as ambassador, and 
must therefore make every effort 
to restore my fortune by means of 
this position. It would be folly to 
reproach you or myself because we 
have lived too lavishly : I form my 
own opinion as to the past, and fix 
my gaze only upon the future.” 

44 So you will sacrifice your 
daughter’s happiness to a cold cal- 
culation ? ” interrupted the bar- 
oness. 

Elka continued his walk without 
looking up. 

44 You call it cold calculation ; I, 
calm consideration of given circum- 
stances. No man is able entirely 
to separate himself from the cir- 
cumstances in which he lives and 
has grown up. Were I in a posi- 
tion to give Alice a rich dowry, I 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


5 


would welcome Arthur as a son-in- 
law, and I do not doubt that they 
would be happy ; but I know also 
that their happiness would be sub- 
jected to a very severe test if want 
should in any way approach them. 
I am too little an enthusiast to 
believe in the all-conquering power 
of love.” 

“ Not very flattering to me,” re- 
marked the baroness half-jestingly, 
half-reproachfully. “ If you had 
only taken the subject into consid- 
eration earlier, before Alice had 
learned to know Arthur: now I 
fear it is already too late.” 

“ I know not the words 1 too late,’ ” 
replied Elka with decision. “ Alice 
is not yet Arthur’s wife ; she is not 
yet his betrothed even.” 

“ They are already looked ujym 
as betrothed,” broke in the bar- 
oness. 

Elka shrugged his shoulders half- 
scornfully. 

“ And if Alice is betrothed to 
another young man to-morrow, then 
people will see that they have been 
mistaken. Dear Leonore, I care 
very little, perhaps not at all, for 
the opinion of others in such affairs ; 
for men are strangely inconsiderate 
in their judgments. I cannot in- 
form Alice of the circumstances 
which prejudice me against Arthur; 
but I hope you will exercise all 
your motherly influence to prevent 
any earnest love for him from aris- 
ing in her heart.” 

The baroness did not answer. 
It was very hard for her to comply 
with the request of her husband. 
For years, she had cherished with 
special pleasure the hope that Alice 


and Arthur might be united ; and 
now, when she seemed about to re- 
alize her hope, her husband stepped 
in to destroy it. She did not 
think of opposing the wish which 
he described to her as a pressing 
necessity; for she well knew the 
judiciousness of his character, and 
the unbending firmness of his will. 

Never before had he spoken to 
her of his pecuniary affairs.. She 
knew that he was not rich, and had 
.often thought that she could read 
the pressure of care in the lines 
upon his brow ; but she had never 
questioned him on the subject. Her 
life was passed in such a whirl of 
excitement, that she had no time 
for serious thought. The fact that 
her husband had now touched upon 
his circumstances was sufficient 
proof to her that they had become 
very oppressive. 

“ What you demand from me is 
difficult, yes, impossible,” she at 
length replied. “I am to shield 
Alice’s heart from an earnest # love, 
when it has already taken posses- 
sion of her. Oscar, I have always 
submitted to your wishes ; but I 
must indeed demand that you con- 
fide your plans to me. I think our 
interests are the same ; and, in at- 
taining them, we may go hand in 
hand.” # 

The baron silently continued his 
walk. He scarcely seemed to have 
heard the words of his wife. 

“ Have you any definite plan for 
Alice in your mind ? ” continued 
the baroness. “ Have you already 
chosen a husband for her ? ” 

Elka bowed his head in assent. 

“ And who is it ? ” 


6 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


The baron stood still before his 
wife. 

44 Leonore, it was my intention to 
conceal this from you, because the 
attainment of my desire demands 
the greatest caution ; nevertheless, 
it will be better to inform you of 
every thing, for you are too sensible 
to betray my wishes. The man 
whom I have in view for Alice is the 
son of the minister von Altenberg. 
You may remember that he was re- 
markably attentive to her when we 
met him at a watering-place last 
year. He will be here in a few days, 
his father tells me, to spend several 
weeks ; and I think I am not mis- 
taken in connecting this visit with 
his interest in Alice.” 

During these words, the baron’s 
eyes rested searehingly upon the 
face of his wife ; and he could not 
fail to see her disappointment. 

44 Surely, Capt. von Altenberg is 
little fitted to drive Arthur’s im- 
age from Alice’s heart. I remem- 
ber that every one was struck with 
his disagreeable appearance and 
unamiable manner.” 

The baron frowned, for his wife’s 
words affected him very unpleas- 
antly ; but he tried to repress this 
feeling forcibly. 

44 You judge too sharply, dear 
Leonore,” he interrupted. 44 1 grant 
that Altenberg is less pleasing than 
Arthur ; but considerable property, 
and his father’s influence, must be 
thrown into the scale: these will 
assuredly outweigh Arthur’s hand- 
some face and agreeable manners.” 

44 In your opinion and in mine,” 
interposed the baroness ; 44 but in 
Alice’s heart ? I doubt it.” 


44 In hers, also, when she takes 
into consideration that marriage is 
something more than a passing in- 
fatuation, a brief day of blooming 
flowers. She cannot hide from her- 
self the fact that Altenberg will be 
able to make her life far pleasanter 
than Arthur. And, if it should 
really be a sacrifice to her, I am, 
unfortunately, in such a position 
that I must demand this sacrifice 
from her. I need not point out 
the great advantages which a close 
connection with Altenberg would 
bring to me. You know his exten- 
sive power as minister : I do not 
believe in a change of this power, 
for all his prudence and energy are 
exerted* to strengthen his position. 
If Alice becomes his daughter-in- 
law, I doubt not that I also shall be 
called into the ministry ; and the 
object of my desires will then be 
attained. I hope that your wishes 
also point to this end.” 

The eyes of the baroness flashed, 
her proud mind pondered for a 
moment on this thought ; and then 
the sudden fear seized her that the 
happiness of her child would be 
sacrificed, and still the desired ob- 
ject might not be reached. She 
expressed this fear to her husband. 

Elka smiled, and in that smile 
betrayed the subtlety and superior- 
ity of his mind. He was a diplo- 
matist, and had learned to wish 
and strive only for those things 
whose difficulty of attainment he’ 
had accurately weighed beforehand. 
No bold move lay in his calcula- 
tions ; but they were delicate and 
sure. 

44 1 shall not sacrifice Alice’s 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


7 


happiness uselessly,” he replied, 
repeating the expression of his 
wife : 44 1 will rather establish her 
happiness, though I may, perhaps, 
destroy one of the illusions of her 
youth.” 

At this moment, Alice and Ar- 
thur emerged from one of the 
shady paths, laughing and chatting, 
and drew near the hillock. Alice 
hastened towards her parents in the 
brightest frame of mind. 

Her appearance was wondrously 
fair and sweet. Her delicate face 
wore an expression almost of 
melancholy, when at rest, and her 
eyes were cast down ; but as soon 
as they were raised, and a smile 
played about her mouth, such a 
merry, wanton spirit shone forth as 
is only known to youth which has 
never felt the approach of care or 
disappointment. She shook her 
dark locks which fell over her 
shoulders ; she laughed so gayly, 
so unrestrainedly, that her joyous 
spirit captivated all with an irre- 
sistible charm. 

She was scarcely eighteen, and' 
never felt so happy as when, freed 
from the strict formalities of society, 
she could wander in her father’s 
garden in all the joy of youth. She 
seemed then like a child, who, 
escaping from a close room, rushes 
out into the sunshine, and smiles 
upon forest and flower, shakes off 
every care, and lives only in the 
present, like the bird, which, sing- 
ing, swings upon the tree-top. 

Arthur von Walter stood by her 
side, a merry companion, who had 
been for a few weeks a guest in 
her father’s house. His disposi- 


tion was frank and cheerful, like 
hers. He had inherited a small 
property from his father, which 
was so heavily encumbered with 
debts, that it yielded but little in- 
come ; yet he had never wished 
to possess more, for it afforded 
him the means to gratify his de- 
sires, — to ride on a bright morning 
through wood and plain, to stretch 
himself under the shade of an oak 
or beech, and overlook his green, 
blooming fields, or, at twilight, to 
sit at the edge of the forest, and 
feel the gentle, gradual fading of 
evening into the rest of night. 

He loved a simple life, because 
he had never really known any 
other. 

The baroness had not been mis- 
taken in thinking that Alice and 
Arthur were in love. It needed 
but a glance to see that their 
hearts were united. They had 
loved each other for years, with- 
out confessing their love, or being 
fully conscious of it ; but it was 
the first bud of affection in their 
hearts, and therefore possessed 
that deep and inexpressible fresh- 
ness which is never again attained 
if the heart’s first and true love 
is destroyed. 

The baron’s eye rested upon his 
daughter with evident pleasure. 
Her cheeks were slightly flushed; 
her light straw hat rested so jauntily 
upon her dark locks : smilingly he 
held out his hand to her. Not a 
feature of his face betrayed the 
grave subject he had just been 
discussing with his wife. 

44 Where now, Fly-away ? ” hd 
asked in a sportive tone. 


8 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


“ To the river. Arthur has 
promised to give me a sail,” an- 
swered Alice cheerfully. “ He as- 
serts that he is very skilful with 
the oar ; but I doubt it, and am 
going to convince myself as to his 
dexterity.” 

“ I also share your doubts,” con- 
tinued Elka in a light tone, “ and 
consider the trial all the more haz- 
ardous.” 

“ I am an expert rower,” inter- 
rupted Arthur. 

“Well, well,” said Elka, smil- 
ing, “ we will put your skill to the 
test to-morrow, I wish to witness 
it myself; but to-day I desire to 
run away with you. I am longing 
for a good ride on horseback, and 
hope you will accompany me.” 

“ I will ride with you also,” said 
Alice. 

“Will you leave your mother 
alone ? ” asked Elka. His voice 
was so soft and entreating, that it 
was hard to resist it. “We shall 
ride to the estate of one of my 
friends, who is not in a condition 
to receive ladies, since he is still 
unmarried. Come, Arthur, let us 
order the horses. I hope you give 
me your company willingly.” 

“Certainly,” replied Arthur; and 
yet he did not tell the truth. A 
feeling of pain flashed over him 
because he was obliged to leave 
Alice. How happy had he been 
by her side ! 

He was not skilful enough to 
conceal his feelings. Disappointed, 
out of humor, he walked along by 
the side of his uncle, who did not 
seem to notice what was going on 
in his mind, but talked in an easy, 


unrestrained manner on the most 
indifferent subjects. 

A few minutes later, they left the 
baron’s charming estate, and rode 
at a brisk trot through a shady ave- 
nue, towards a neighboring forest. 

Smaller and smaller became the 
number of pedestrians whom they 
met ; but not until they were quite 
alone did Elka draw the rein, and 
allow his horse to move more 
slowly. 

“ Do you know Capt. von Alten- 
berg ? ” he suddenly asked. 

Arthur looked at his uncle, as if 
he would read in his face the rea- 
son for this question : but his coun- 
tenance betrayed nothing ; it was 
calm and .friendly . 

“ I know him, but only slightly,” 
he answered. 

“ Well, then, you will have an 
opportunity to know him better, as 
he is coming here in a few days,” 
continued Elka in a quiet, gossip- 
ing sort of way. “He will stay 
several weeks, and I hope you will 
be good friends.” 

Arthur angrily thrust the spurs 
into his horse’s flanks, so that the 
animal reared. The baron saw this 
in a rapid side-glance, and suspect- 
ed the cause. An almost imper- 
ceptible smile of satisfaction played 
around his lips. 

“ I have doubts as to this friend- 
ship,” replied Arthur with a sud- 
den touch of bitterness. 

“And why? Altenberg pos- 
sesses excellent qualities when one 
knows him intimately.” 

“ I have only met him once at a 
club,” continued Arthur ; “ and his 
conduct towards me was so haugh- 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


9 


ty, that our meeting came near end- 
ing with a duel.” 

Elka listened attentively. 

“ Young hot-heads ! ” he cried, 
laughing. “And how did that 
happen ? ” 

“ Spare me the recital ; for the 
bitterness which I then felt would 
only be roused anew. What good 
would it do ? You will never be 
able to convince me of Altenberg’s 
amiability ; and I am not the only 
one who entertains an unfavorable 
opinion of him.” 

The baron did not hear these 
last words, which Arthur evidently 
♦added with reference to Alice. 

“ I do not wish to press any con- 
viction upon you,” he answered 
lightly; “but I would not have you 
form rash judgments. I doubt not 
that your meeting with Altenberg 
was disagreeable ; I will even be- 
lieve that no blame attaches to 
yourself in the matter, though I 
may give your hot head some credit 
also ; but such a slight acquaint- 
ance does not justify you in form- 
ing an opinion of a man.” 

“ Alice has the same opinion ; 
and she has had an opportunity 
to know him better,” interrupted 
Arthur. 

“ Alice is a silly girl,” replied 
Elka. “ She is still a child ; and it 
is to be hoped that you will not be 
governed by her opinion. Alice is 
not in a position to judge the char- 
acter of a man. I need not ask 
you to receive Altenberg in a 
friendly manner: he will be my 
guest; and you understand, fur- 
thermore, that I have a regard 
for his father.” 


Arthur was silent. 

“Can my words have affected 
you unpleasantly?” asked Elka. 
“I did not mean to offend you.” 

“No, no ! ” cried Arthur quickly, 
with difficulty concealing the ex- 
citement under which he was labor- 
ing. “ I understand your position 
perfectly, and will be polite to Al- 
tenberg, — very polite. The time 
for my visit has nearly expired, 
moreover; perhaps we shall not 
meet again.” 

A smile of satisfaction again stole 
over Elka’s face. Arthur did not 
notice it, being fully occupied in 
managing his horse, which seemed 
to share his own uneasiness. 

“You have not yet spoken of 
your departure,” observed Elka. 
“You know my house is large 
enough to afford room for Alten- 
berg and yourself at the same time, 
and I hope you will be able' to agree 
on this neutral ground. You must 
hold a tighter rein: your horse 
seems very restless to-day. Come, 
let us satisfy the animal’s spirit.” 
With these words he gave the spur 
to his own horse ; and they galloped 
swiftly along the forest-path. 

The rapid ride did not allow the 
conversation to be carried on ; and 
it was not the baron’s wish to con- 
tinue it. Arthur’s decision to leave 
soon, satisfied him entirely ; and 
therefore he desired to avoid any 
further explanation with the neph- 
ew whom he loved. 

Arthur was out of tune ; and El- 
ka’s gayest conversation failed to 
raise his spirits. 

The baron’s only intention in 
proposing a ride was to separate 


10 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


Arthur from Alice; and he was 
therefore glad that the friend whom 
they went to see was away. They 
took a roundabout way home. 

The servant met them with the 
announcement that Capt. von Al- 
tenberg had arrived during their 
absence. 

Elka sprang from his horse in 
surprise. He cast one rapid glance 
at Arthur, from whose cheeks the 
blood' had fled, and then hurried 
into the house to greet his guest. 

The captain advanced to meet 
him. 44 I have come earlier than I 
intended,” said he. 44 Your wife 
tells me you did not receive the 
despatch which was to announce 
my arrival. I do not yet know 
how the mistake occurred, Jbut beg 
you to excuse it.” 

Elka extended his hand. 

“ I hope the mistake will afford 
you convincing proof that you are 
welcome here without any an- 
nouncement. Had I known you 
were coming to-day, I certainly 
should not have denied myself the 
pleasure of meeting you at the 
station.” 

At that moment, Arthur entered 
the room. The captain’s eye flashed, 
his brow contracted, and he inten- 
tionally turned his back to the new- 
comer. 

In an unembarrassed manner 
Elka introduced his nephew. 

4 4 1 believe you gentlemen have 
already met,” he added with a smile. 

Altenberg bowed in a cold, stiff 
way, endeavoring by this bow to 
deny all acquaintanceship. 

44 Indeed, I cannot remember. I 
doubt,” he replied, carelessly twirl- 


ing his mustache. 44 1 really think 
I must disclaim the pleasure of the 
acquaintance.” 

The malignant look with which 
he surveyed Arthur gave the lie to 
his words. 

Arthur pressed his lips firmly 
together : they trembled slightly ; 
but he tried with all his might to 
control himself. 

44 My memory is more faithful,” 
he said; “but I agree with you, 
that a single meeting, no matter 
what it may be, cannot be called 
an acquaintance.” 

The captain bestowed one pier- 
cing look upon him, and then turned 
to the baron. 

44 1 think I am wrong, Herr Baron, 
in accepting the hospitality which 
you so kindly offer,” said he, with- 
out taking any further notice of 
Arthur; “but I must throw the 
whole responsibility upon your own 
good nature. I could not resist 
the temptation to be near you for 
a while, — there, you have an open 
confession.” 

Elka replied in a cordial tone. 

The appearance of Capt. von Al- / 
tenberg was by no means attractive. 
His face could not be called exactly 
ugly ; but an unpleasant expression 
was given to it by the piercing, 
gray-blue eyes which looked so 
staring. The wary look which they 
frequently wore gave a false and 
crafty expression to his face. Al- 
tenberg was only a few years older 
than Arthur ; but his features plain- 
ly betrayed that he had already 
enjoyed life to excess. His move- 
ments were slack, and yet at the 
same time angular. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


11 


His unpromising exterior would 
have been tolerated, forgotten, had 
his manner been pleasing ; but that, 
too, was little fitted to win friends 
for him. He was haughty, proud 
of the wealth and position of his 
father, and filled with a spirit of 
egotism, which allowed no regard 
for others, especially if they were 
beneath him, or unable to compete 
with him in wealth. 

Arthur’s unexpected presence 
was all the more displeasing to him, 
because he had sense enough to see 
that his fresh, prepossessing appear- 
ance could not fail to make an im- 
pression upon Alice. The baron 
was quite right in thinking that the 
captain’s interest in his daughter 
had led him to make this visit. 

Alice had not encouraged his at- 
tentions in the slightest degree ; but 
her coldness only attracted him still 
more. He was accustomed to have 
his attentions favorably received 
by the ladies, and thought he pos- 
sessed qualities which would win 
the heart of any tnaiden. 

Arthur had left the room. The 
captain’s conduct had filled him 
anew with bitterness. He was 
vexed at his uncle’s friendly recep- 
tion of Altenberg. He knew how 
attentive the captain had been to 
Alice the year before, and suspect- 
ed that he had only come now in 
order to be near her. Jealousy 
stirred within him. 

He wandered through the garden 
in the hope of meeting Alice : he 
searched in all her favorite places, 
in vain. He at length learned, 
through a servant, that she was in 
her room, busy with her toilet. He 


could have laughed aloud in his 
sorrow. 

“ She is arraying herself for the 
captain,” he said to himself. “ She 
is making her toilet to receive him.” 
She had told him that Altenberg 
was very repulsive to her ; and yet 
she was bestowing such pains upon 
her dress ! Could it be that she 
was trying to please him, that 
she was blinded by the wealth of 
this hateful man ? 

For the first time, he doubted the 
girl who filled his whole heart. In 
his passionate excitement, he did 
not think of the restraint which the 
forms of society imposed upon him. 
He flung himself upon a seat, and 
pressed both hands upon his brow. 

What more could he do here ? 
He had sported and jested with 
Alice ; had served very well to en- 
tertain her, to walk and ride and 
sail with her: but, now that the 
captain had appeared, he was su- 
perfluous, perhaps he was even 
in the way. In his agitation, he 
suddenly resolved to take his leave 
on the following day. A longing 
for the quiet of his country-home 
came over him. There he could 
lie undisturbed beneath the shade 
of the forest-trees, and think of the 
happiness for which he had hoped 
so long, which had filled him with 
such blissful rapture, and now 
seemed lost forever. There he 
might mourn over this lost happi- 
ness, where no scornful eye could 
look upon him, mocking his grief. 
He must be alone. The noisy life 
of the city seemed to oppress him ; 
and, in the midst of men, he seemed 
doubly forsaken. 


12 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


He sat motionless, until a servant 
at length appeared to call him to 
supper. He felt inclined to absent 
himself, but soon decided to be 
present. He would not yield the 
field to his hated adversary without 
a struggle ; he would see if Alice 
received him in a friendly man- 
ner ; would be convinced for him- 
self whether the words she had 
spoken to him were only false- 
hoods. 

He hastened to his room to make 
his toilet. 

When he entered the dining-room 
a few minutes afterwards, he saw 
Alice in animated conversation with 
the captain. Her dress was choice 
and tasteful : never before had she 
seemed so charming to him. White 
% roses glimmered amid her dark 
locks ; and a white garment, like 
misty gauze, enveloped her slender 
form. He heard her laugh ; she 
clapped her hands ; oh ! she seemed 
highly amused at the captain’s con- 
versation. 

Altenberg led Alice to the table; 
and Arthur seated himself by the 
side of his auqt. He looked at Alice; 
but she seemed to have no thoughts 
left for him : the captain claimed 
her whole attention. 

He wished to be calm ; he would 
not betray what was passing in his 
mind as he crumbled the bread 
which lay on his plate. Even as 
this bread was broken, so were his 
dreams dissolved, destroyed. He 
refused all food, but repeatedly 
emptied his wineglass at a single 
draught. In vain did the baroness, 
who suspected the cause of his dis- 
turbed state of mind, try to enter- 


tain him. He scarcely heard her 
words. 

“ Do you not feel hungry, Ar- 
thur ? ” she inquired, seeing that his 
food was untouched. 

“ Oh, yes, yes ! ” replied Arthur, 
directing the servant to bring him 
other viands, which he put upon his 
plate, but did not taste, for just then 
he relapsed into his dreamy revery. 

Had he only glanced at Alice, he 
would have seen how anxiously she 
looked over to him, as if begging for 
deliverance. She could not escape 
the tiresome flattery of the captain 
without seeming impolite, and com- 
mitting a breach of hospitality. The 
longer they sat at the table, and the 
more wine Arthur drank, so much 
the more did his excitement in- 
crease. His bit of bread was long 
since crumbled to atoms ; and he 
played with his knife, wildly think- 
ing, as the bright blade glittered 
in the lamp-light, of thrusting it 
into his breast, and thus putting an 
end to his torment. 

Then it would all be over ; then 
could Alice celebrate her marriage 
with the captain, undisturbed by 
his presence ; then there would be 
one witness the fewer to remind 
her of the bitter words she had 
spoken concerning the captain. 

He did not do it. 

He breathed more freely when the 
meal was at length ended, and was 
about to leave the hall, when Alice 
stepped up to him. 

“ Arthur, I must speak to you : 
wait for me in the garden,” she 
whispered, and then rejoined the 
captain. 

He was doubtful whether he 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


13 


should obey her request ; neverthe- 
less, he hastened into the garden. 
Why did Alice wish to speak to 
him ? Did she intend to excuse 
herself for transferring her whole 
interest to the captain? Would 
she assure him once more that the 
man who had entertained *her so 
highly was repulsive to her ? She 
might spare herself this trouble, for 
she was free to dispose of her heart 
as she pleased ; and, moreover, he 
no longer believed her. 

His blood boiled as he walked 
through the silent garden. All the 
shady avenues and quiet resting- 
places whispered to him of the 
happiness he had known by the 
side of Alice. He was in such a 
frame of mind, that he could have 
laughed loud and bitterly. What 
had justified him in believing in 
Alice’s love? Was he rich? was 
his father minister ? was he adorned 
with the gay uniform of a captain ? 
His own folly, his credulous heart, 
had prepared this disappointment 
for him : he would like to silence 
that heart forever. 

He threw himself upon a seat, 
under the dark shade of a linden. 
Here Alice could find him if she 
tried ; for they had often sat in that 
place, reading, laughing, and jest- 
ing together. 

His thoughts flew back over the 
past years. He still remembered 
the day when he first saw Alice, 
who was then a child. She came 
with her mother to make a visit at 
his country-home for the benefit 
of her delicate health. He had 
little curiosity to know his cousin, 
since she was but a child ; but 


when she sprang from the carriage, 
in a white dress, and looked at him 
with such a frank, child-like ex- 
pression in her large dark eyes, 
while greeting him with out- 
stretched hand, he felt the blood 
rushing from his face to his heart. 
The large dark eyes had bewitched 
him. 

And day after day he had played 
with her, wandering through fields 
and woods : they had been insepa- 
rable. 

When he saw her again, years 
afterwards, she had blossomed into 
a young lady. He met her with 
a feeling of embarrassment ; but 
soon the old familiar tone was re- 
sumed, the old relation estab- 
lished. 

All this passed through his mind 
like a dream ; then suddenly Alice 
stood before him. He had not no- 
ticed her approach. He started up 
excitedly. Even in the twilight, he 
recognized the white roses in her 
dark hair. She had thrown a light 
shawl over her shoulders. 

His heart beat violently ; a name- 
less sorrow filled it. He had fan- 
cied himself strong enough to break 
away from her ; but now, as she 
stood before him, he felt that it 
would cost him grief and conflict : 
still it must be done. 

“ It is well you have come, 
Alice,” said he. “ It was necessary 
for me to see you, in order to say 
that I shall leave early to-morrow 
morning. I shall start at dawn; 
and it would have been painful to 
go away without bidding you fare- 
well.” 

“ You are going away, Arthur ! ” 


14 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


cried Alice. Her trembling voice 
betrayed her surprise. 

“ I am,” replied Arthur. “ I 
long for the quiet of my home, 
where I can dream of the past and of 
my shattered hopes. What should 
I do here ? ” he added bitterly. 
44 You no longer need me to enter- 
tain you : the captain will do that 
much better.” 

41 Stop ! ” interrupted Alice. “ Ar- 
thur, you would not have spoken 
these words if you had known how 
deeply they grieve me. This, then, 
is what drives you away. You in- 
tend to forsake us ; and just now I 
hoped to find a support in you.” 

She turned her head away ; and 
Arthur could hear her weeping. 

He could have shouted with joy 
at these tears ; could have flung 
himself at her feet, and implored 
her pardon. 

44 Alice, Alice ! ” he cried, seizing 
her hand, “ let me depart with- 
out reproaches, without a fresh 
burden on my heart. I cannot stay 
here, and see how the captain alone 
claims your interest : I cannot. You 
would understand me if you had 
a suspicion of the suffering I en- 
dured at the table to-night.” 

“ Arthur, do you know me so 
little ? ” broke in Alicer. 44 Do you 
not comprehend that my friendli- 
ness to Altenberg is only a sacrifice 
which I make to my father, and his 
relations with Altenberg’s father ? 
Have you not seen how hard a sac- 
rifice this is to me ? how it compels 
me to act contrary to myself ? ” 

“ I know you, Alice,” replied Ar- 
thur ; 44 but I know also that Alten- 
berg has only come here on your 


account, — that he loves you . And 
will not your heart return his love ? 
He is rich and influential.” 

44 Never, never ! ” exclaimed Alice. 
44 You surely know what I think of 
him.” 

“Alice, if you are telling the 
truth ; ” cried Arthur, clasping her 
right hand firmly between his own; 
44 if my heart could still hope to 
win yours ! ” 

Alice was silent : her hand trem- 
bled in his. 

44 1 have loved you from the day 
when I first saw you,” continued 
Arthur. 44 You have been my only 
thought through all these years ; of 
you have I dreamed ; on you have 
rested all my hopes and plans for 
the future. I have never reflected 
that I could only offer you a simple 
life ; but I have been conscious that 
my heart was filled with unuttera- 
ble love for you.” 

Alice was still silent. Had Ar-* 
thur been able to look into her eyes, 
he would have seen what was pass- 
ing in her mind. 

“And have you no word for me ? ” 
he asked. 

Then she threw herself into his 
arms, whispering, “Do you not then 
know that my heart has long been 
yours ? that I love you more fer- 
vently than you can ever love me.” 

Arthur embraced her exultantly. 

44 Mine, mine ! ” he cried, kissing 
her lips and cheeks. 44 Alice, say 
once more that you love me, that 
you will be mine ; for these words 
make me tremble with joy and rap- 
ture.” 

44 1 love you ; I wish to belong to 
you alone,” whispered Alice. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


15 


Those moments were full of the 
purest, most blissful happiness. 

“ Do you still wish to go away ? ” 
Alice at length asked in a sportive 
tone. 

“ Yes, let me go,” answered Ar- 
thur. “ I could not conceal the 
happiness which fills my heart ; nor 
could I bear to see that hateful 
Altenberg talking with you, trying 
to win your love. My excitement 
would make me capable of any 
deed to drive him from your side ; 
and I do not wish to reward your 
father’s hospitality in such a way. 
Now I depart peaceful and happy : 
for I know that your heart cannot 
lie ; it will remain true to me, 
though hundreds of miles lay be- 
tween us.” 

“ It shall remain true to you,” 
said Alice assuringly ; “ but must I 
count the enjoyment of our happi- 
ness by minutes, and not even by 
hours?” 

“Alice, the remembrance and 
the certainty of our love remains 
to us. I am satisfied with that, 
because I had deemed you lost 
forever. I cannot live any longer 
under the same roof with Altenberg. 
Once already we have met in a 
hostile spirit : the same thing would 
happen again, and then arms alone 
could make peace between us. I 
do not wish to hazard my life after 
such happiness has been granted 
to me.” 

Steps were heard approaching. 

Once more Alice embraced her 
lover, and then hurried away in the 
darkness. 

Arthur remained sitting, as if 
intoxicated with happiness. He 


passed his hand over his brow to 
convince himself that he was really 
awake ; that all had not been a 
beautiful, blessed dream. He was 
awake. He felt still the pressure 
of her little hand, the breath from 
her lips ; and his heart beat so loud 
and fiercely, that he was obliged to 
press his hand upon it to still its 
throbbing. 

He staid one day longer at his 
uncle’s house, and then took his 
leave. 

The baron walked back and forth 
in his library in a state of extreme 
satisfaction. Arthur’s departure 
had relieved him from a double 
anxiety : he was convinced that the 
influence which his nephew had 
exerted on Alice’s heart was now 
at an end, for he had not the slight- 
est suspicion of what had passed 
between them. Had Arthur re- 
mained longer, a hostile encounter 
with the captain could hardly have 
been avoided, since the young men 
hated each other bitterly. 

Elka was persuaded that Alice 
would now lend a willing ear to 
the captain; and in his mind the 
object of his desires seemed already 
reached. He smoked his cigar 
comfortably, and then, throwing 
himself into an arm-chair, settled 
quietly down to the enjoyment of 
a leisure hour. 

His little room was fitted up 
luxuriously. The carpet was so 
soft, that not a footstep could be 
heard ; heavy curtains almost shut 
out the light ; cases were filled with 
books and papers ; and by the win- 
dow stood a skilfully-carved writ- 


16 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


e 


ing-desk. Every pen, every piece 
of paper, in this desk, was in the 
most perfect order : it almost 
looked as if it were kept for orna- 
ment, and only rarely used, though 
Elka worked at it many hours, — 
often far into the night. But he was 
accustomed to preserve the most 
painful order. A letter pushed out 
of place would affect him un- 
pleasantly. 

After a while, he rose to betake 
himself to his writing-desk. First, 
however, he stepped to a table on 
which stood a valuable casket of 
wrought steel, inlaid with ivory. 
From the watch-chain on his breast, 
he then detached a small key, skil- 
fully wrought, and placed it in the 
casket; and, at a slight pressure, 
the lid opened. 

The baron stooped to take a 
paper from the casket, but started 
back in alarm ; for the unusual dis- 
order of its contents did not escape 
his eye. He seldom lost his com- 
posure ; but his hand now trembled 
slightly : still he compelled himself 
to be calm, thinking he must be 
mistaken. No one but himself 
could open this casket, which con- 
tained his most valuable papers 
and despatches. He searched for 
a despatch that he had received a 
few days before, which was of the 
greatest importance : he did not 
find it. At the same time, he 
missed the key to the cipher in 
which the despatch was written. 

The blood forsook his face : he 
stood upright, struggling for breath ; 
for a heavy weight seemed to lie 
upon his breast. He could not yet 
believe the despatch was really 


gone ; but the thought of it tor- 
tured him, for it was of infinite 
importance to him. 

By a violent effort he collected 
all his powers, and forced himself 
into a state of tranquillity. He 
searched the casket carefully, look- 
ing at every piece of paper with 
an attentive eye, — in vain. He 
did not find the missing despatch, 
nor the key to it ; though he knew 
with the most perfect certainty 
that he had put them both in the 
casket for safe-keeping. 

The sweat of anguish started to 
his brow : he threw himself into a 
chair, exhausted. If both had been 
stolen, the end of the affair was 
more than he could see : he only 
knew that the consequences to 
himself would be severe and in- 
evitable. 

He examined the lock of the 
casket ; but it showed not the 
slightest trace of violence, and 
the key fastened it as easily as 
ever. But one explanation was 
possible : the despatch and the 
key had been stolen from him, 
although he could not understand 
the possibility of such a thing. 
In vain he pondered, ‘trying to 
think of some person on whom 
suspicion might rest. His ser- 
vants were all tried and faith- 
ful ; they had been in his ser- 
vice for years : and what interest 
could they have in stealing a de- 
spatch whose importance they had 
no means of knowing ! 

All his meditations led to one 
result. He roused himself, rang 
for his servant, and ordered a 
carriage. Without delay, he went 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


17 


to the chief of police, and in a 
few words told him what had hap- 
pened. 

“ The despatch is of the greatest 
value to me,” he added ; “ but it is 
equally important for me to keep 
the theft an entire secret. Is it 
possible to institute inquiries, and 
at the same time to pay the strict- 
est regard to this consideration ? 
I shall be grateful for every effort 
of the police.” 

The chief of police met him in 
the most affable manner. 

“ I will send you a ‘man in whom 
you can place implicit confidence,” 
he replied. “ If it is possible to 
discover the perpetrator of this 
theft, he will succeed in doing it ; 
and I pledge myself for his silence. 
Allow me only to draw your atten- 
tion to a single fact. The man is 
invaluable to us ; he is a genius in 
his profession ; but his obstinacy is 
unyielding. Grant, as far as pos- 
sible, every one of his requests, 
though they may seem to you mere 
whims ; then you may rely fully 
upon his conscientiousness and his 
zeal. He will allow himself no 
rest until his object is reached. 
Suffer him to go on quietly, even 
though he may appear to have lost 
sight entirely of the object in view. 
He is remarkably sensitive ; and one 
must pardon this little weakness in 
him for the sake of his ability.” 

Elka gladly assured the chief 
that he was willing to follow his 
advice. He was somewhat relieved 
by the confidence with which a suc- 
cessful result was predicted ; but 
the feeling vanished when he re- 
membered that the despatch might 
2 


already be in other hands, and that 
the newspapers might, perhaps, re- 
port its contents on the following 
day. 

What good would it then do 
him if the thief were discovered ! 
He was indifferent as to the punish- 
ment of the criminal : his thoughts 
were only for his own interests. If 
the contents of this despatch were 
known, or the theft discovered, his 
position as ambassador would be 
endangered ; and more than one 
ambitious plan would thus be 
overthrown : he would then be 
undone. 

He returned home, and waited 
impatiently for the arrival of the 
police-officer. He had retired to 
his library, where he might be se- 
cure from interruption. The ser- 
vant at length announced a man 
who wished to speak to him. 

“ Who is it ? ” he asked impa- 
tiently. 

“ He did not mention his name,” 
replied the servant. 

The baron was about to refuse 
to see him, when he remembered 
that it might be the expected 
police-officer. 

“ Show him in here,” he ordered. 
A few minutes afterwards, a man 
some thirty years old, insignificant 
in appearance, and yet almost ele- 
gant in his build, entered the little 
room. Elka’s eye ran over him in- 
quiringly ; but nothing about him 
betrayed such a person as the chief 
of police had described to him. 

The man’s face was pale and ex- 
pressionless ; his eyes looked faded ; 
his movements were clumsy rather 
than quick. 


18 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


Elka rose reluctantly, thinking 
his expectations had been disap- 
pointed ; when the man introduced 
himself as the police-commissioner 
Green, adding, that he had come at 
the special command of the chief 
of police, though he had not yet 
the slightest suspicion on what 
business he was to be em- 
ployed. 

The baron’s disappointment did 
not entirely vanish even now, be- 
cause he had pictured to himself a 
very different person as the man 
whom the chief of police recom- 
mended so warmly, whose ability 
he had so highly praised ; never- 
theless, he received him with the 
greatest ^politeness, and urged him 
to take a seat. The commissioner 
seated himself without constraint ; 
and Elka informed him of what 
had taken place. 

Green scarcely seemed to hear 
him : his right hand played with 
his watch-chain, while his eye sur- 
veyed the various objects in the 
room with a look of curiosity ra- 
ther than of inquiry. 

“ When did you miss the pa- 
pers ? ” he asked. 

“ This morning.” 

“ And when did you last see 
them in the casket ? ” 

“ Two days ago.” 

“ Have you not opened the casket 
during that time ? ” 

“ No.” 

“ And you know with absolute 
certainty that the papers were still 
in the casket when you opened it 
the last time ? ” 

“ I know it with absolute cer- 
tainty. The despatch was of the 


greatest value to me : therefore I 
gave special attention to it.” 

“ Who possesses the key to the 
casket ?” 

“ I myself. I always carry it 
with me, here on my watch-chain.” 

“ And at night ? ” 

“ The watch and the key lie 
under my pillow.” 

“You must allow me to ques- 
tion you on the most trifling 
points, otherwise it will be im- 
possible for me to form a clear 
idea of the transaction. Where 
do you leave the watch while 
you are dressing ? ” 

“ During that time, it hangs on 
the wall, near the wash-stand.” 

“ Do you dress without assist- 
ance ? ” 

“ My servant assists me ; but he 
is thoroughly faithful and reliable. 
He has been in my service for 
years; and I think I can pledge 
myself for his innocence.” 

A faint smile stole over the ex- 
pressionless face of the commis- 
sary. 

“ Herr Baron, I would never un- 
dertake to pledge myself for any 
man, not even for my brother,” he 
observed. “ In this case, however, 
it is of no importance ; for I must 
hereafter be allowed to form my 
own opinion concerning each indi- 
vidual ; now I would like merely 
to make inquiry as to the facts, by 
way of preliminary. You are con- 
vinced, then, that no one can get 
possession of the key, even for a 
few minutes ? ” 

“ That is impossible.” 

Green bowed, as if he agreed 
entirely with this declaration. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


19 


44 Who has access to this room ? ” 
he asked. 

4 4 My servant alone, during my 
absence.” 

44 The same one who helps you 
dress ? ” 

44 The same.” 

44 Do you require his assistance 
at night, in undressing ? ” 

44 Sometimes ; but, on the whole, 
very rarely.” 

44 Can you remember whether 
you have claimed his services of 
late, in undressing?” 

44 1 have undressed myself alone,” 
replied Elka impatiently, indignant 
at the painful minuteness with 
which the commissary examined 
him. 

This did not escape Green’s at- 
tention. 

44 The chief of police has informed 
me that the paper was of extraor- 
dinary importance to you, and that 
you wished the theft to remain an 
entire secret,” said he : 44 there- 
fore I can direct my questions to 
you alone, since, of course, I can 
make no inquiries of your servants. 
For this reason, I must ask you to 
be patient a short time longer. Do 
you lock this room regularly at 
night ? ” 

44 Regularly. I even do it when 
I draw the bolt also. This door, 
here, leads into my sleeping-room. 
No one, therefore, could enter this 
room without coming through my 
chamber.” 

44 Do you burn a light at night ? ” 

44 Regularly.” 

44 Will you now permit me to 
examine the casket ? ” 

He rose and approached it. 


44 1 am familiar with caskets of 
this kind,” he continued, lifting it 
for closer inspection. 44 They are 
neatly and substantially made, — 
really the work is exquisite ! Each 
one is a little masterpiece. Pray, 
may I ask you for the key ? ” 

Elka handed it to him. 

Green locked and unlocked the 
casket in a dexterous manner : he 
repeated the process, listening to 
the snap of the spring. Once more 
he examined it attentively. 

44 The casket has only been 
opened by this key,” he then said 
in a decided tone. 

“Are you sure of that ?” said 
Elka. 

44 1 am,” answered Green. 44 1 
understand these locks, and know 
something about locks in general, 
because I learned the trade of a 
locksmith in my youth. These 
locks are very substantial, but at 
the same time so delicate and com- 
plicated, that it is impossible to 
open them with a duplicate key, 
without injuring them ; and this 
lock has not been injured : the key 
would not turn so easily if it had 
been ; the spring would have lost 
its sound. Still less has force been 
employed : do you think that would 
be possible, without injuring this 
delicate polish, or leaving the slight- 
est mark of violence ? ” 

44 There are very skilful thieves,” 
observed the baron. 

A scornful smile flashed over the 
commissary’s face. 

44 Herr Baron, I know the skill 
of thieves too well not to give full 
credit to the ability of individuals ; 
but all skill has its bounds, and 


20 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


those bounds I know. This casket 
has not been opened by force or 
by a duplicate key.” 

“ And how will you explain the 
disappearance of the papers, which 
is an undeniable fact ? ” interrupted 
Elka. 

The commissary shrugged his 
shoulders. 

“ I cannot explain it yet. If I 
knew how the theft has been ac- 
complished, but little effort would 
be needed to discover the criminal.” 

“Have you not even a suspi- 
cion?” 

“Not yet. It would be over- 
hasty to entertain such a feeling 
already. Have you missed nothing 
besides the despatch and the key? ” 

“Nothing. Several important 
papers and some very valuable dia- 
monds are in the casket: not one 
of them is missing.” 

“ The thief, then, cared for noth- 
ing but the despatch. He must 
have known about it, and learned 
where you kept it.” 

“No one but myself knew about 
the despatch,” said Elka. 

“ May I ask you to tell me the 
contents of the despatch ? ” 

“ Impossible ! ” cried the baron. 

“ Remember that I am an officer; 
and the deepest silence is doubly a 
duty ipr me. Moreover, I am not 
one of those who are weak enough 
to betray secrets.” 

Elka hesitated. 

“ It is impossible, Herr Commis- 
sary ! ” he exclaimed at length. 
Pray do not consider this an evi- 
dence of distrust. This is not my 
secret, but that of my govern- 
ment.” 


“You do not yet understand 
me aright, Herr Baron,” continued 
Green. “I do not wish to learn 
the contents of the despatch : I 
frankly confess that I am too little 
of a politician to take special in- 
terest in such things ; I only wish 
to know which party has conveyed 
instruction through this despatch 
in order that I may infer from that 
who would be chiefly interested 
in learning its contents, or getting 
possession of it. You will under- 
stand that this is of the greatest 
importance in my work.” 

The baron paced up and down 
the room. He saw how reasonable 
the commissioner’s request was ; 
but he did not yet know how he 
could satisfy him without betraying 
more than he wished to do. 

“ The government would natu- 
rally take the greatest interest in 
the despatch,” he at length said. 
“ Should the contents be known, I 
am convinced that the democratic 
and orthodox party would be spe- 
cially interested therein. Unfor- 
tunately, I cannot explain this 
seeming contradiction, because I 
should thus betray more than I 
am at liberty to tell. Does this 
intimation satisfy you ? ” 

“ It must satisfy me, since you 
can tell me no more. Now I have 
one more particular request to 
make. Will you allow me to take 
up my abode in your house for a 
while, in a character which v will ex- 
cite as little attention as possible ? ” 
“With pleasure ; only I do not 
know under what character that 
would be possible. ” 

“No one but yourself must know 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


21 


that I am a police-commissioner, no 
one must even suspect it. It would 
best suit my ability and inclination 
if you would engage me as your 
private secretary, — as a mere pre- 
tence, of course.” 

“ I agree to that,” replied Elka. 
“ You hope, then, to clear up this 
mystery of the missing despatch ? ” 

“ Herr Baron, never since I have 
been police-commissioner have I 
entered upon a case without a hope, 
without firm confidence even, that 
I should succeed in discovering the 
criminal ; and perhaps to this very 
confidence I owe it, that my hopes 
have seldom deceived me. Allow 
me once more to repeat, that it is 
of the utmost importance that no 
one in the house shall suspect my 
character, or the object of my pres- 
ence. I beg you, therefore, to treat 
me just as if I were really your 
private secretary : by no means pay 
me any greater attention, for you 
would only betray me in that way. 
Reprove me in the presence of 
your servant, if I do not suit you : 
put work upon me without hesita- 
tion ; for everybody will know that 
you do not engage a private secre- 
tary for his own pleasure.” 

“ My part will be infinitely more 
difficult than yours,” observed El- 
ka. 

“ You will succeed in carrying 
it out as soon as you set aside 
every thought of politeness and con- 
sideration,” replied Green with a 
smile. “ Permit me now to ask you 
a few more questions. Who knew 
that you had received this de- 
spatch ? ” 

“ No one knows its contents : 


moreover, I receive despatches al- 
most every day.” 

“ Did any one know that you had 
received a despatch of special im- 
portance ? ” 

The baron reflected. 4 

“ I doubt it ; but still I will not 
deny the possibility that I may 
have betrayed the fact by some 
look or expression.” 

“ The despatch has been in your 
hands but a short time ? ” 

“ Only three days.” 

“Well, I will not claim your 
patience any longer now, Herr 
Baron. I shall make acquaintance 
for mysefr with the occupants of 
this house. One thing more : who 
knows of the disappearance of the 
papers ? ” 

“ No one except the chief of 
police, you, and myself.” 

“lam very glad of that. Speak 
of it to no one for the present : you 
will thus lighten my task;” 

“ And when do you wish to en- 
ter upon your duties as secretary ? ” 
inquired Elka, smiling. 

“ As soon as possible, this very 
day ; yes, at once.” 

“ This depends entirely upon 
your own wishes. Well, we will 
at once assume our characters. Will 
you retain your name ? ” 

“ Yes, indeed ! Green is such an 
innocent name, that it is almost too 
harmless, even for a private secre- 
tary.” 

The baron rang for his servant, 
informed him that he had engaged 
Green as his private secretary, and 
directed him to show the gentle- 
man to his room. 

“ I will give you more particular 


22 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


instructions as to your duties at 
another time,” he added, turning 
to Green, and then stepped to his 
writing-desk, without giving him- 
self any further trouble about him. 

The servant, George, looked at 
the new secretary with any thing 
but friendly eyes. He had at first 
taken him for a very different per- 
son, and met him with much great- 
er politeness than a secretary could 
claim, in his opinion. He thought 
his own dignity had suffered some- 
what, and was especially vexed 
that Green did not at once take 
him into his confidence : so he 
tried to restore the balance of po- 
liteness by showing too little 
now. 

“ In here ! ” said he, opening the 
door of the secretary’s room. “ The 
room is far too handsome ; but the 
baron has ordered it: I should 
have selected another.” 

Green was amused at the ser- 
vant’s demeanor, but saw that he 
must impose some bounds upon 
him from tie beginning. He had 
seen thr^'ign the character of this 
man at the first glance, and per- 
ceived that he should never need 
his assistance. Incorruptible hon- 
esty and fidelity were unmistak- 
ably seen in George’s eyes; but, at 
the same time, they indicated such 
narrowness of intellect as Nature 
bestows upon few mortals. But, 
with his fine livery,, the devil of 
pride had entered into George. 
The baron could trust many things 
to his honest stupidity, without 
fear ; and George, therefore, consid- 
ered himself the chosen confidant 
of his master. He naturally as- 


cribed this to his own wise head ; 
for, as is the case with so many 
blockheads, he deemed himself re- 
markably clever. 

“ Hearken, friend,” said Green : 
“ I think we shall get along better 
together, if we mutually respect 
our positions, and measure our 
courtesy accordingly. I shall con- 
duct the baron’s correspondence. 
You help him dress, and clean his 
clothes. Now, I am convinced that 
the cleaning of clothes is a very 
important business, and demands 
experience ; for every man does not 
understand how to brush a coat 
well. I impute this skill to you 
beforehand, and shall therefore 
always treat you with requisite 
respects but I claim the same from 
you, especially as it is much more 
difficult to conduct a correspond- 
ence than to brush a coat.” 

George looked at him with wide- 
open mouth. He had not fully 
understood his remarks ; but they 
impressed him with a feeling of 
awe, and that vexed him, because 
he did not wish to be so impressed 
by a man who had not been in the 
baron’s service an hour. 

He was silent a moment, trying 
to think of some suitable evasion 
of the subject ; but his dull, heavy 
brain could not succeed in doing 1 
this so quickly. 

“ In here, I say ! ” he cried. “ I 
respect no one but the baron and 
his family. If the room does not 
suit you, you may remain standing 
outside the door for aught I care. 
I have obeyed the order given to, 
me ; and now we have done with 
each other.” 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


23 


He was about to go away with 
these words. 

“ Stop, friend ! ” exclaimed Green, 
who saw that he should not suc- 
ceed in this way with the stupid, 
stubborn servant. “ It will be best 
for us both if we treat each other 
in a peaceable manner. Your own 
sense must tell you this ; for our 
interests are more or less the same.” 

George looked at the new secre- 
tary again with wondering eyes, 
but did not understand his words. 
He hesitated a moment, and then, 
turning his back upon him with a 
contemptuous look, went away. 

Green entered the room pointed 
out to him. It was a cheerful 
apartment, with windows overlook- 
ing the garden, which afforded a re- 
markably pleasant view. He stood 
at the window a few minutes, let- 
ting his eye wander over the large 
green plots of grass, and the groups 
of trees set out so tastefully. He 
thought how delightful it would be, 
in such a place as this, to devote a 
long time to the rest which his 
position so rarely allowed him to 
enjoy. Only too often did his 
duties lead him to the most dis- 
reputable places to search for some 
trace of criminals ; for almost every 
difficult case which defied the ef- 
forts of his colleagues, was intrust- 
ed to him. His only reward con- 
sisted in this, that he seldom failed 
in a task which he took upon him- 
self. He pursued it, indeed, with 
unwearied zeal, lived for that alone, 
and suffered no other interests to 
compete with it. 

He soon withdrew from the win- 
dow, therefore, however much he 


enjoyed the pleasant view of the 
garden, threw himself into a chair, 
and directed his thoughts with all 
keenness to the new task which had 
been appointed for him. He had 
not yet the slightest point on which 
to ground a plan of action. But 
for the baron’s positive' statement, 
the conjecture would have forced 
itself upon him, that a crime was 
not here in question, but only an 
oversight on the part of the baron : 
he would have believed that Elka 
himself had mislaid the papers. 

Certainly the baron was not a 
person whom one could suspect of 
such an oversight. A keen mind 
shone unmistakably in his eyes. 

All the circumstances connected 
with the disappearance of the pa- 
pers indicated that the deed was 
performed with the greatest caution 
and craftiness. 

One thing was undoubtedly es- 
tablished in his mind, that the 
casket had only been opened with 
the baron’s key. The supposition 
that it was opened by force was 
necessarily abandoned, since that 
would be impossible, without leav- 
ing some mark of violence. It was 
equally certain that a duplicate key 
had not been used. He knew well 
the delicate and complicated con- 
struction of the lock, and that it 
must have been for days in very 
skilful hands, if a duplicate key 
had been manufactured ; and, ac- 
cording to the assurances of the 
baron, this would have been im- 
possible. 

One point was clear to him : the 
papers could only have been stolen 
by a person in the baron’s immedi- 


24 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


ate vicinity, who had gained pos- 
session of his key ; but he thought 
he could also assume that this per- 
son had only acted under the or- 
ders of another. 

According to the intimations of 
the baron, the despatch touched 
upon highly important political 
interests, and he must naturally 
look in very different circles for 
those who were chiefly concerned 
in it. His first task, therefore, 
must be to become acquainted with 
all the persons around the baron, 
and inquire into their connections, 
— not a very easy undertaking, 
especially as it would, in all proba- 
bility, require a long time. 

The only person whom he had 
yet seen, the servant George, it was 
unnecessary to question ; for he was 
too narrow-minded, as well as too 
honest, to be employed on such a 
deed. 

When Green had fully decided 
this point in his own mind, he 
again rose, and walked to the win- 
dow. He drummed upon the win- 
dow-pane, and looked down into 
garden, without taking the same 
interest in the lovely view ; for the 
thoughts which had just been em- 
ploying him were still actively at 
work, seeking, almost by force, to 
penetrate the mystery. 

He saw Capt. von Altenberg 
and Alice walking in the garden ; 
but he did not know them, only 
suspecting that Alice was the bar- 
on’s daughter. He left his room, 
in order to make himself familiar, 
in a quiet way, with the house and 
its occupants. 

In the evening, the baron went 


to the theatre with Altenberg. He 
was surprised that he did not find 
his coachman at the end of the 
evening, for he knew his usual 
punctuality. He was obliged to 
wait until the man drove up at a 
brisk trot ; when the baron angrily 
reproved him for the delay. 

44 The new secretary is to blame 
for it,” said the coachman in ex- 
cuse. 

44 My secretary ? ” asked Elka in 
astonishment. 44 How is that pos- 
sible ? ” 

44 He has been telling such wild 
and entertaining stories, that I have 
let the time slip away.” 

With difficulty Elka concealed a 
smile as he entered the carriage. 

When he reached home, he heard 
loud and merry laughter from the 
servants’ room. George came out 
quickly ; and, through the open 
door, the baron saw Green in the 
midst of the servants. 

George lighted his master to his 
room; while the captain immedi- 
ately entered the dining-hall, 
where the ladies were waiting for 
him. 

44 You are having a jolly time 
down stairs,” remarked the baron, 
turning to George. 

The new secretary is turning all 
their heads,” answered George. 

44 In what way ? ” pursued the 
baron. 

44 1 have never seen a man so full 
of tricks and drollery. He seems 
to have studied them ; for an hon- 
est man cannot keep such nonsense 
in his mind. 

44 W ell, do you not consider him 
honest ? ” asked Elka with a smile. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


25 


“You also seemed to listen to him 
with pleasure.’’ 

“ He is a braggart,” replied 
George. “I laughed at him, in- 
deed ; but I do not trust him. He 
looks so simple ; but he talks 
everybody to death. I only hope 
he can work as well as he tells 
stories.” 

“You may trust him confi- 
dently,” observed the baron. “ He 
is recommended by such a reliable 
person, that' I have not the least 
doubt of his ability. For this rea- 
son alone I have taken him into 
my service ; for at present I shall 
have very little occupation for him : 
so he may continue to amuse you 
for a while.” 

“ I desire to have nothing to do 
with him, because I consider him 
a braggart,” remarked George, 
half-aside; for he was vexed that 
Green had so soon won the ap- 
proval and confidence of his com- 
panions. 

The servants were all occupied 
after the baron’s return ; and Green 
went out into the garden to enjoy 
the beautiful evening in the open 
air. It was so quiet there, with 
no sound save the gentle rustling 
of the tree-tops ; and refreshing fra- 
grance was wafted to him from the 
flower-beds. 

He threw himself on a seat in 
one of the avenues. Here he would 
be even more undisturbed than in 
his own room, and could quietly 
reflect upon the impression made 
by the servants with whom he had 
just become acquainted. 

Besides George, and a second 
servant Henry, he had met the 


cook, the coachman, and the groom ; 
but none of these men seemed to 
him fitted to undertake a deed 
which had been so skilfully per- 
formed. 

By the test of their interest in 
the various anecdotes and comical 
stories which he had told, he 
guessed at their dispositions. The 
cook was evidently the slyest of 
them all. His talents qualified him 
fully for a villain ; but he was far 
too hasty and awkward for such a 
deed. He would either have stolen 
the entire casket, or have broken 
it open by force. 

“ If he ever becomes a criminal, 
he will be distinguished for vio- 
lence and fearlessness,” said Green 
to himself; “but a certain degree 
of delicacy he will never attain.” 

The servant Henry was a timid 
little man. His honesty was not 
specially to be trusted, in the com- 
missary’s opinion. He could steal a 
few groschen a day from his mas- 
ter, without any pangs of con- 
science, but would not have the 
courage to take a ten-thaler bill 
from him. 

“ He has learned his morality in 
the kitchen,” thought Green. “ He 
respects a silver spoon because it 
is worth several thalers, but feels 
at liberty to steal from every dish.” 

The groom was a jolly fellow, 
over head and ears in love, light- 
minded also, but honest. Green 
was most pleased with the coach- 
man, a large man, whose thirst was 
unquenchable. His nature was 
rough, his character strongly 
marked, his opinion decided ; and, 
if he had no reason for his opinion, 


26 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


still he was always ready to de- 
fend it very emphatically with his 
fist. Experience had proved to 
him that he could prevail much 
better in this way than by using 
any arguments or reasons. More- 
over, during the long years he had 
spent in the care of horses, he had 
partaken somewhat of their na- 
ture : he was faithful to the mas- 
ter who fed him, and would have 
driven him fearlessly through thick 
and thin. 

Not one of all these men had 
any thing to do with the theft. 
Green almost repented of having 
devoted a whole evening to them ; 
besides, the coachman had drank 
his health so many times in 
the grog he had himself brewed, 
that his head was dizzy from his 
unusual libations. 

Of the women-servants he had 
only had a glimpse ; but they seemed 
to him far more dangerous than the 
men, — especially a chambermaid 
in attendance upon the baroness, 
whose * dark, piercing eyes had 
struck him at once. The captain, 
also, had a servant, — a man who 
pleased Green less than any of the 
others ; who had avoided him, thus 
far, unmistakably by intention, as 
if he suspected that he had not a 
secretary to deal with. This man’s 
eye had a wary, lurking expres- 
sion. He tried, indeed, to put on 
a look of perfect innocence, and 
perhaps he might thus deceive 
everybody: but the commissary 
he could not deceive ; for his eye 
was sharpened by too long and too 
many experiences. 

“ If this man is not a sharper,” 


said Green to himself, “ then all 
my experience deceives me. He 
has been here a few days with the 
captain ; but still he avoids a nearer 
acquaintance with the other ser- 
vants, and seems to be somewhat 
known in the city.” 

Green finally rose, and walked 
slowly through the garden. He 
had no desire to betake himself to 
rest, because he had not yet a feel- 
ing of weariness. All around was 
still. The rattling of carriages was 
heard from the city; but it sounded 
far away, and only made the quiet 
garden more agreeable by contrast. 
While he was walking near- the 
wall surrounding the garden, he 
saw some one leap lightly over it. 
He could not recognize the figure ; 
but he followed it carefully. With 
rapid, unhesitating steps it hurried 
on, and finally turned into the 
avenue in whose shade Green had, 
a few minutes before, been sitting ; 
and on the same bench the figure 
now sat. 

Concealed behind a tree near 
by, Green resolved to await further 
developments. He suspected that 
this was to be a meeting of two 
lovers ; but even that was not with- 
out interest to him, as it was his 
immediate task to become ac- 
quainted with the relations and 
connections of every member of 
the household. 

He was not mistaken in his sup- 
position. In a short time, the rus- 
tle of a dress was heard, the form 
of a woman passed by him ; but he 
could not distinguish her features 
because a heavy veil was thrown 
over her head. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


27 


Green was not near enough to 
follow the conversation of the lov- 
ers ; but he heard the name of Alice 
several times, and was soon con- 
vinced that the lady was the bar- 
on’s daughter. 

But who was the man whom she 
was meeting secretly at that late 
hour? He knew that adventures 
of this kind were by no means un- 
usual in the higher circles ; but he 
was particularly interested in the 
present one, because this mystery 
might perhaps lead him nearer to 
his own object. 

While reflecting thus, he sud- 
denly heard light steps close beside 
him. He stood motionless, con- 
cealed by the trunk of the tree. 
At a short distance from himself, 
he saw a man in a crouching atti- 
tude, half creeping towards the 
bench on which the unsuspicious 
lovers were sitting. 

Green’s interest was now in- 
creased to the highest point. Who 
was this second listener? His 
noiseless step, his serpent-like mo- 
tions, plainly betrayed that he was 
not playing the listener for the first 
time. He had now crept so near 
the bench, that he must be able 
to understand the conversation of 
the lovers. There he sat, cowered 
down, for a long time. 

In vain did Green try to distin- 
guish this man’s face : he could 
not even form a guess from 
his figure, because he had glided 
by him in a stooping attitude, and 
still sat cowering down. Soon 
afterwards he went away, cautious 
and gentle as a cat in his move- 
ments. 


The commissary was in doubt 
whether he ought to follow him : 
but he might thus lose track of the 
man who was sitting with the bar- 
on’s daughter: and it seemed to 
him more important, just now, to 
learn who he was. 

A long time still he waited, mo- 
tionless, until the lovers finally 
separated. They appointed another 
meeting in the same place, the time 
for which escaped Green’s ear. 

Swiftly the young man retraced 
his steps to the wall, while Green 
followed him in the shadow of the 
trees and shrubs. Swinging him- 
self pver the wall, he took the 
way 10 the city, closely followed 
still by the commissary. 

When they arrived at the gates 
of the city, Green was able to dis- 
tinguish the man he was pursuing, 
and saw that he was young, and 
well dressed. He followed him at 
the distance of a few paces, and, as 
they passed a bright gas-light, he 
gave a loud cough. As he ex- 
pected, the young man before him 
turned round ; and he looked into a 
a handsome but unfamiliar face. 

In order to awaken no suspicion, 
he fell still farther behind, but 
without losing sight of his man 
for a moment. He followed him 
through several streets, until the 
stranger finally entered a house, 
and locked the door behind him. 

Green stationed himself opposite 
the house. In a few minutes, he 
saw a light through some windows 
in the second story, and plainly 
recognized the form of the young 
man in the room. 

He lived there, then. He no- 


28 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


ticed the number of the house, and 
then, entirely satisfied with the re- 
sult of his search, returned to the 
baron’s villa, softly whistling an 
opera air to himself. 

The porter angrily opened the 
door for him, muttering something 
about a dissolute life. 

Green pressed a piece of money 
into his hand. 

“ Say nothing to the baron about 
it,” he begged. “ When a man is 
busy all day, he likes to enjoy him- 
self in the evening. Ha, ha ! It is 
folly to assume that night is only 
for sleep : life is never more jovial 
than then. One single night is 
worth more to me than three days. 
Now, good-night. I am convinced 
that we shall yet become the best 
friends.” 

The porter did not share this 
conviction ; but he kept the piece 
of money in his hand, turned the 
key, and silently returned to his 
little room. 

Early the next morning, Green 
betook himself to the house which 
the stranger had entered the even- 
ing before. He had particularly 
noticed the windows, and mounted 
the stairs without making any in- 
quiries. He found no plate on the 
door of the room. However dis- 
agreeable it was to him, he was 
forced to apply to the landlord in 
order to learn more about the 
stranger. He met the landlady, 
and, with the most innocent air, 
asked for lodgings. 

She regretted that she could not 
accommodate him ; but the only 
room which she had to let was oc- 


cupied by a young gentleman two 
days ago. 

“ What is his name ? ” asked 
Green with the greatest indiffer- 
ence apparently. 

“Von Walter,” replied the wo- 
man. 

Green listened attentively. He 
knew that a nephew of the baron, 
named Walter, had been visiting 
him, and had left two days before. 

“I know one Herr von Walter,” 
he observed. “ Perhaps this is 
the one. Can you tell me his 
Christian name ? ” 

The woman looked for a card ; 
which she at length found, and 
handed to him. 

Green was obliged to exert all 
his powers to conceal his joyful sur- 
prise ; for on the card he read, 
“Arthur von Walter.” 

“ No : that is not the man I 
know,” said he, returning the card. 
“ For how long a time has the gen- 
tleman engaged the room ? ” 

The woman could not answer 
this questioh ; and Green soon took 
his departure. Various thoughts 
and suppositions arose in his mind. 
Arthur had left his uncle’s house 
with the announcement that he 
was going on a journey. On the 
following morning, the baron had 
missed his papers, and in the even- 
ing the young man had a secret 
interview with his cousin : here, 
therefore, was there a decided mys- 
tery. Could it have any connec- 
tion with the loss of the despatch ? 
Something more than a mere love- 
affair seemed to lie before him. 

Without delay, he went to the 
police-office, and instructed an offi- 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


29 


cer to watch Arthur in the strict- 
est manner, — to follow him when 
he went out, and to notice care- 
fully the persons with whom he 
had intercourse. 

“ No one must suspect that you 
are watching him,” he added. 
44 Choose, therefore, some disguise. 
The gentleman will probably make 
use of a carriage when he leaves 
the house in the daytime : if so, 
you must immediately take a cab, 
and follow him. It is of great im- 
portance for me to learn with 
whom he has dealings. You will 
report to me early to-morrow 
morning.” 

Having given these directions, 
Green slowly returned to the villa. 

Who could the man be that had 
stolen like a spy upon the lovers ? 
He had not yet a suspicion. His 
task seemed to have become re- 
markably difficult. If the baron’s 
daughter were implicated in the 
mystery, he must use the greatest 
circumspection in order to shield 
her. He had experience enough 
to know how poorly excessive zeal 
is rewarded in such cases. 

The police are obliged to drop 
many an examination, because per- 
sons are thereby touched who must 
be spared. 

When Green reached the villa, 
the baron was awaiting him with 
the greatest impatience. George 
received him with malicious pleas- 
ure. 

44 The baron has inquired for you 
several times,” said he. 44 No one 
knew where you were ; only the 
porter said you came home late at 
night.” 


Green did not seem to notice the 
servant’s malicious look. 

44 1 was obliged to go into the 
city,” he answered shortly. 

44 In your master’s interests ? ” 
asked George. 

44 On that point I owe an account 
to the baron alone.” 

^ 44 W ell, I suspect he will demand 
it,” added George. 

Green went at once to the bar- 
on’s room. Elka received him with 
evident excitement, and locked the 
door behind him. 

44 Herr Commissary, I have been 
robbed again,” said he. 44 Two more 
despatches have disappeared from 
the casket. They are of small im- 
portance, indeed; but* I am in a 
state of feverish excitement in con- 
sequence of this new theft. The 
incomprehensible manner in which 
it has been committed tortures me. 
I no longer feel secure in my own 
room.” 

Green was no less astonished. 
He also was puzzled. 

44 When did you discover the 
.theft?” he asked. 

44 This morning, — about an hour 
ago,” answered Elka, restlessly pa- 
cing up and down the room. 

44 And when did you last see the 
despatches in the casket ? ” con- 
tinued the commissary. 

44 Yesterday afternoon.” 

44 Who has been in the room dur- 
ing that time ? ” 

44 No one but George.” 

“Are you sure of this, Herr 
Baron? ” 

44 1 gave George strict orders yes- 
terday to admit no one to my room 
during my absence ; and he obeys 


30 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


my orders in the most conscientious 
manner.” 

“ Would he not have allowed 
your wife and daughter to enter the 
room?” 

Elka stood still, looking at Green 
with astonishment. 

“ Why do you ask, Herr Commis- 
sary ? I must confess that I do not 
understand it. Allow me to hope 
that your suspicion ” — 

He did not finish the sentence. 

The commissary remained per- 
fectly calm. 

“ Pray, Herr Baron, do not mis- 
understand my question,” he said. 
“ I only wished to know how far 
your order extended, and in what 
sense George would understand 
it.” 

“ Of course, I give no commands 
to my servant respecting my wife 
and daughter,” Elka replied some- 
what more composedly. “Moreover, 
they very seldom come here, and I 
know not what they could want 
during my absence.” 

“ Herr Baron, that is a matter of 
entire indifference. At all events, 
would George have so understood 
your order, that he would refuse 
admittance either to Henry, or any 
of the women-servants ? ” 

“ Naturally,” answered Elka 
shortly. 

“ Has the casket stood in the 
same place ? ” continued Green. 

“ Yes. I was not afraid that the 
theft would be repeated. For the 
future, I shall lock it up in my sec- 
retary.” 

The commissary examined the 
casket once more with the greatest 
care. 


“ It shows not the slightest trace 
of having been opened by force, or 
by an unskilful hand,” he said as 
he set it down. “ Did you notice 
any change in the lock when you 
opened the casket ? ” 

“Not the slightest.” 

“ Pray allow me to take the key.” 

The baron handed it to him ; and 
again he tried the lock with the ut- 
most care, examined the key close- 
ly, and then shook his head because 
he could find no solution of the 
mystery. 

“ Has the casket been in your 
possession, long ? ” 

“ For years.” 

“ When you bought it, did you 
receive two keys ? ” 

“ Only one.” 

“ And you have kept this key 
with you constantly since yester- 
day ? ” 

“ Yes, indeed ! Not a moment 
has it left me : during the night, it 
was under my pillow, as usual ; but, 
when I arose this morning, I put it 
on immediately.” 

“ Has any thing' ever been stolen 
before from the casket ? ” 

• “No.” 

The commissary was silent a mo- 
ment, reflecting. 

“ Herr Baron, I insist that the 
casket has been opened with this 
key.” 

“ How is that possible ? ” 

“ That is the mystery before us ; 
but I doubt not we shall succeed 
in clearing it up.” 

“ Did you arrive at any result 
yesterday, entertain any suspi- 
cion ? ” asked Elka. “ You have 
become acquainted with my serv- 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


81 


ants, and, as it seems, entirely cap- 
tivated them.” 

Green laughed. 

44 Except George,” he replied. 
44 Thus far, I have only gained the 
•conviction tha{ none of your serv- 
ants committed the theft.” 

44 I am very glad of that, and 
can therefore rely on the fidelity 
of my servants,” cried Elka. 

“ Pray, Herr Baron, do not give 
this meaning to my words,” inter- 
rupted the commissary. 44 1 would 
not pledge myself for one of them, 
except George and the coach- 
man.” 

44 And yet you are convinced of 
their innocence ? ” 

44 In this instance,” remarked 
Green, 44 because I do not give 
them credit for sufficient skill or 
cunning.” 

44 You make the disappearance 
of the papers still more mysterious 
to me,” cried Elka. 44 Where do 
you suppose the thief is, if not 
among my servants ? ” 

Green shrugged his shoulders 
half evasively. 

“I have not yet been able to 
entertain any decided suspicion. 
Besides, there are servant-women 
also in your house ; but, thus far, I 
have had no opportunity to become 
acquainted with them.” 

44 Then you stand just where 
you were yesterday morning,” in- 
terposed Elka impatiently. 

“Not quite, Herr Baron,” re- 
plied Green with a sharp accent. 
44 1 think I have gained something 
in the conviction that your serv- 
ants have had nothing to do with 
the crime, if crime there has been ; 


and perhaps another would have 
been more fortunate in my place, 
for we have to trust somewhat to 
fortune in our inquiries.” 

Elka felt that his words had of- 
fended Green. 

44 Herr Commissary,” said he, 
44 no reproof must be inferred from 
my words ; but you would perfectly 
understand my uneasiness and im- 
patience if you knew how infinitely 
important it is that I should speed- 
ily discover the thief, and recover 
the despatch. I would gladly pay 
you any price you may demand, if 
you could lay the despatch before 
me, unhurt and unread.” 

44 The satisfaction of having ren- 
dered you such a service will be 
sufficient for me,” Green courte- 
ously replied. 44 1 can indeed prom- 
ise you to discover the thief ; but I 
cannot yet even give you a hope 
that this will be done soon. Chance 
or luck may lead me into the right 
track to-day ; but I never build on 
such uncertain foundations, and 
much less would I give you any as- 
surances based upon them. Have 
you informed any one of the pres- 
ent loss ? ” 

44 No one but yourself.” 

44 Then pray keep silent concern- 
ing it. Now, one more question. 
Do you place a special value upon 
the casket? I mean, would it 
trouble you if it were rendered 
useless for a while ? ” 

“Not in the least, if the discov- 
ery of the thief were hastened 
thereby.” 

44 Very well. Then may I ask 
you to remove the papers which 
are most valuable, and which you 


82 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


will be obliged to use within a few 
days?” 

The baron silently did as he was 
requested. 

“ Now, pray allow me to take the 
key.” He took a bit of wax from 
a candle, kneaded it into a little 
ball, and pushed it carefully into 
the hollow of the key. 

The baron looked at him in 
amazement. 

“ You certainly cannot use the 
key now, for a few days,” said 
Green. “ Perhaps the mysterious 
thief will pay a third visit to the 
casket ; and then we shall ,at least 
learn whether he has used your 
key or not : it is quite possible that 
the lock will be destroyed.” 

Elka now understood the plan, 
and agreed to it fully. He was 
thrown into consternation by this 
second loss. These despatches, 
also, were not intended for 
publicity ; and yet he was confi- 
dent that the thief would make 
use of them. His position as am- 
bassador was greatly endangered ; 
his very honor was at stake. In 
addition to this cause of anxiety, 
he was disturbed by Alice’s coolness 
towards the captain, which must, 
of necessity, repel him, while it 
overthrew the hopes of her father. 

Altenberg had intimated, the 
day before, that he had expected 
greater affability from Alice ; and 
the ill temper, which he could not 
conceal, plainly betrayed that he 
felt offended. 

As soon as the commissary took 
his leave, the baron went to his 
wife’s room. He found her taking 
her coffee. She hastened towards 


him, holding out her hand, which 
he took with an absent air. 

“ Where is Alice ? ” he asked. 

“She is still asleep,” answered 
the baroness. 

Elka looked at his watch, and 
then silently seated himself by the 
side of his wife. 

She looked at him inquiringly. 

“Oscar, you seem to be very 
much out of tune,” she finally 
said. 

A bitter smile passed over the 
baron’s face. 

“ Do you doubt that I have rea- 
son to be so ? ” he replied. “.I have 
explained to you why I desired 
Alice to meet Altenberg in a friend- 
ly manner ; I begged you to exer- 
cise all your influence to this end : 
but, thus far, I have not observed 
that the slightest regard has been 
paid to my wishes. Do you ex- 
pect that I shall be cheerful under 
the circumstances ? All my polite- 
ness and devotion cannot compen- 
sate for the impression which Alice 
has made upon the captain.” 

“ Elka, you do me injustice,” in- 
terrupted the baroness. “ I spoke 
to Alice yesterday ; but she has a 
decided aversion to Altenberg, and 
expressed it freely.” 

“ And you suffered her to express 
it,” observed the baron. 

“Could I prevent it? I have 
exerted all my influence. She 
knows* that Altenberg is trying to 
win her heart : her endeavor, there- 
fore, seems to be to repulse him. I 
am more than ever convinced that 
she loves Arthur.” 

The baron sprang up in excite- 
ment. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


33 


“ Send for Alice ! ” he exclaimed. 
“ I will tell her myself what I de- 
mand from her as a duty ; and I 
will see if she ventures to act con- 
trary to my wishes. ” 

“ Oscar, you are excited,” broke 
in the baroness, not without anxie- 
ty, as she noticed the dark frown 
upon her husband’s brow. “ I am 
afraid you will be too harsh with 
Alice.” 

“You have yourself confessed 
that you have accomplished nothing 
by mildness.” 

“ Do you know so little of love 
as not to understand that it grows 
by opposition ? Give Alice’s heart 
time to forget Arthurs and then, 
perhaps, she will listen more willing- 
ly to Altenberg.” 

Elka paced up and down the 
room. He seemed to be reflecting 
upon the words of his wife. 

U I have not time to wait for 
that,” he cried. “ I dare not 
ceal from you that all I possess wifi' 
be at stake if Alice refuses Alten- 
berg. I may even lose my position. 
I must have a decision in a few 
days, — before it is too late.” 

The baroness noticed with sur- 
prise her husband’s feverish excite- 
ment. She had never seen him 
thus. He had always shown him- 
self to be an experienced m^n of the 
world, and a diplomatist, who bore 
the most disagreeable things with 
a smile, and carefully concealed 
what was passing in his mind. She 
also rose in excitement. 

“ Oscar, how is that possible ? ” 
she inquired. 

“Ask me not,” he replied. “In 
Alice’s hand lies your fate and mine. 


Tell her this ; add to it, that fate 
is against me, that my* very honor 
is at stake, and that she alone can 
save me. I will see whether she 
will still refuse to make this sacri- 
fice for me.” 

With these words, he left the 
room. 

The baroness was about to hasten 
after him ; but her strength failed 
her. His words and agitation had 
terrified her violently. 

Her maid entered the room to 
assist her in dressing ; but she sent 
her away because she felt the neces- 
sity of being alone. 

Up to this time, her life had 
passed pleasantly, and she had never 
known anxiety or care. W ere these 
now suddenly to approach her in 
stern reality ? She would not yet 
believe it ; and still she knew her 
husband too well to doubt his word. 

She $at on the ’sofa, with her 
he^jd resting upon her hand, trying 
to fathom the meaning of her hus- 
band’s words; but she could not 
approach the truth. Her beautiful 
face seemed all at once to have 
grown old with care. 

Alice stepped cheerfully into the 
room. Her face still sparkled with 
the joy of having been with her 
beloved on the previous evening. A 
sad smile passed over the face of the 
baroness. The hearty joy which 
shone from her daughter’s eyes, she 
was to destroy. She could not make 
up her mind to do it : she would, 
at least, grant the unsuspicious girl 
a few more hours of happiness. 

The commissary had repaired to 
the garden on leaving the baron. 
There he met the captain’s servant, 


34 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


B render, by name, a person whose 
face was distinctly stamped as that 
of a knave. Brender might be about 
forty years old, a man of" medium 
height and slender figure. His small, 
drooping eyes looked sharp, and yet 
timid, unobserving. They seemed 
unable to rest upon any object ; but 
they possessed an extraordinary 
power of taking in every thing in a 
keen though rapid glance. His lips 
were thin and sharply cut, his nose 
pointed, his cheeks sunken. 

In spite of all this, one would not 
have called the face ugly, had it 
not made an unpleasant impression 
by an almost continuous smile. 

In this smile, the whole character 
of the man was betrayed, as it were. 
It was half sly, half embarrassed, 
and formed, to a certain extent, the 
mask which he put on in the pres- 
ence of others in order to conceal 
what was passing within. The 
smile was intended not to win, but 
to deceive. 

It had not been difficult for the 
commissary to guess at this man’s 
character from his face : it was 
harder to establish any intercourse 
with him ; for Brender possessed as 
much experience and cleverness as 
himself. He, too, had known life 
in its most varied forms, and never 
showed himself to be what he actu- 
ally was. He never spoke a word 
which he had not carefully weighed 
beforehand ; and nothing could have 
made him forget himself, even for a 
short time. 

Green approached him quietly. 
He well knew how to strike the 
keynote of a seemingly indifferent 
but very agreeable conversation. 


“Does this please you?” he 
asked. 

“Particularly,” answered Bren- 
der. “ I like large cities.” 

“ You have been here before ? ” 
observed Green, in such a positive 
tone, that Brender hesitated an in- 
stant before answering. 

“I am here for the first time,” 
he then replied. 

The brief hesitation in answer- 
ing this question convinced the 
commissary that Brender had been 
in the city before. He must, 
therefore, have some motive for 
concealing the truth. This con- 
firmed him in his suspicions, and 
he continued : — 

“ Then I will offer myself to you 
as a guide. I was born in the 
city, and am familiar with the life 
of the present day. One can live 
better here than anywhere, if he 
only knows how. A merry life, a 
joyful death, is my principle. I 
am much mistaken in you, if you 
do not also like cheerful company. 

“ I do like it,” replied Brender, 
half in assent, half in denial ; “ but, 
unfortunately, my time is very lim- 
ited. • You know, that, as a ser- 
vant, I am dependent on my mas- 
ter.” 

“ Ha, ha ! Iam dependent also,” 
said Green ; “ but I am my own 
master at night, and then I live 
right merrily. I even assert that 
one can only be jolly during the 
night.” 

Brender had not yet overcome 
his distrust of the commissary. 

“ Have you been in the baron’s 
service long ? ” he asked. 

“ Only a few days ; but I know 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


35 


the old porter. The man presses 
the hand warmly that drops a piece 
of money into his, and opens the 
door at any hour. The porter is 
the person of chief importance to 
me when I go into a new house. 
I do not really know any one else 
here, — not even the pretty maid 
of the baroness.” 

He looked at Brender with a 
roguish side-glance as he spoke 
thus. 

Brender laughed. 

“ She is not ugly,” he remarked. 

“ Ugly ! ” cried Green. “ I have 
only met her once on the stairs: 
she is a charming creature ! Those 
eyes ! I fancied that I had become 
more calm ; but I believe this little 
witch may be dangerous to me. 
The best principles go to the devil 
when one meets a girl with such 
eyes. Do not look so scornful, as 
if you were a woman-hater ; for I 
am convinced that your heart beats 
very warmly. 

In spite of all his efforts, the 
commissary did not succeed in 
winning Brender’s confidence. He 
retained his reserve, and in the 
most skilful manner declined every 
offer to make him familiar with the 
pleasures of the city. Green, 
meanwhile, was convinced that he 
had an extremely crafty, skilful 
man to deal with, who frustrated 
every attempt to approach him, — 
a sufficient proof that he had much 
to conceal in his life. 

He walked away decidedly out 
of humor. He foresaw that this 
man could throw many difficulties 
in his way, and that he should 
need time to overcome them: he 


would rather sacrifice any thing 
than time, however, since he well 
understood the baron’s impatience 
to discover the thief. His own 
honor demanded that he should 
attain his object as quickly as pos- 
sible; for the chief of police had 
intrusted this case to him with 
unusual earnestness. 

There he stood helpless. By 
cautious observation alone would 
it perhaps be possible to discover 
a trace of the criminal. Never yet 
had he been brought into contact 
with a crime the execution of which 
seemed so unaccountable ; where 
his sharp eye had not discovered 
even the slightest clew to the mys- 
tery. 

Had not the baron’s excitement 
and consternation been too natu- 
ral to warrant such a supposition, 
Green would have been forced to 
think that he had for some reason 
feigned the loss of the despatches ; 
but this was all the more improba- 
ble, because the most disagreeable 
consequences seemed to threaten 
Elka if the papers were not soon 
discovered. 

Could Brender have had any 
connection with the crime? He 
could give this man’s character 
full credit for such a deed : he pos- 
sessed sufficient craftiness and dar- 
ing. But how could it be possible 
for him to reach the casket and 
the baron’s key? This question 
was before the commissary; but 
he could find no answer to it. 

He walked on in a path which 
was enclosed on both sides with 
dense shrubbery, and led to a small, 
retired summer - house. There 


36 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


Green hoped to be able to give 
himself up to his thoughts undis- 
turbed; for the little house was 
scarcely ever visited by any one. 

As he approached the summer- 
house, he saw the maid of the bar- 
oness hurrying out of it with 
flushed cheeks. Scarcely return- 
ing his greeting, she hastened on. 
He tried to enter into conversation 
with her ; but she did not listen to 
him. Her dark eyes avoided his 
gaze in confusion. 

He had evidently disturbed a 
tender meeting. He entered the 
summer-house quickly, in order to 
see who was the happy man that 
had found favor in the eyes of the 
pretty, coquettish girl ; but he 
found an empty room. He looked 
through the window indignantly; 
and there he saw the baron 
hastening rapidly over a little 
clearing, in order to reach the 
shrubbery. 

“Ah, the baron himself I” he 
exclaimed in surprise. He had not 
expected this. 

The whole mystery of the lost 
despatch seemed explained to him. 
The maid had a love-affair with 
the baron: she was admitted to 
his room, had found an opportu- 
nity to possess herself of the 
key, — perhaps she had skilfully 
drawn it from under his pillow 
while the baron slept, — and her 
little hand had opened the casket. 

Not an instant did he doubt that 
this was actually the case : he had 
discovered a clew ; and, if he fol- 
lowed it up, it must necessarily lead 
him to the attainment of his object. 
Chance had led him, as so often 


before, into the right path ; but to 
pursue it was no easy matter. 

He could assume with the most 
perfect certainty that the maid had 
stolen the despatches under the or- 
ders and in the interest of another ; 
and to discover who that other 
might be was his next task. But 
he must now proceed with the 
greatest caution in order not to ex- 
pose the baron : the intrigue with 
his wife’s maid must by no means 
be made public. In a few minutes, 
the commissary had projected his 
entire plan. 

Alice stood on the veranda 
which led into the garden. Her 
cheeks were flushed, her eyes still 
glistened with tears. Her mother 
had been talking with her, and had 
informed her of her father’s wishes. 
The maiden’s heart was engaged 
in a hard conflict with itself. She 
loved Arthur with all the fervor 
of a first affection ; her heart beat 
faster at the thought of him ; she 
was enraptured at the idea of be- 
longing to him ; and at the same 
time she was painfully moved be- 
cause she could not fulfil her fa- 
ther’s wish. She guessed, from her 
mother’s intimations, how much 
depended upon her doing so. She 
had such boundless proofs of her 
father’s kindness, and she clung 
to him with childlike love. The 
thought of sacrificing the happi- 
ness of her own life to his took 
possession of her ; but it vanished 
as soon as Arthur’s image arose, 
for she felt that she could not live 
without her beloved. 

In this struggle with herself, she 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


3T 


stood on the veranda, plucking the 
leaves of the wild vine that twined 
around the pillars. She was to tear 
her heart, even as her little fin- 
gers picked these leaves to pieces. 
Should she strip the whole slender 
3tock of its leaves, it would shoot 
forth anew, and perhaps, in a few 
weeks, repair the loss; but she 
would stand leafless and destroyed, 
her whole life* long, if the blossom 
of her heart, her love, were broken. 

She would gladly meet the cap- 
tain with the greatest kindness, 
would laugh and joke with him, 
devote her whole time to him, and 
make his abode in her father’s house 
as agreeable as possible, if he would 
not claim her heart. 

At that moment, Altenberg ap- 
proached the veranda. Alice shud- 
dered as she saw him. She was 
still trembling with the agitation 
caused by the conversation with 
her mother ; and the tears in her 
eyes were not yet dried. She 
wished to escape ; but, nevertheless, 
she stood still, because she would 
not give the captain another oppor- 
tunity to complain to her father of 
her want of courtesy. 

Altenberg looked at her flushed 
face and tearful eyes. She had 
never seemed so beautiful to him. 
His intuitions told him that he 
had come at an unfavorable 
moment. 

“You have been weeping, fair 
lady,” said he, greeting her. “ These 
tears give celestial beauty to your 
face ; and yet I am angry with him 
who has caused them. I should be 
the happiest of men were I per- 
mitted to wipe them away.” 


.Alice was silent. She scarcely 
heard the words addressed to her, 
for with all her might she was 
struggling for composure : he should 
not suspect what was passing in her 
heart. It seemed to her a dese- 
cration of her love, that he should 
know of its existence. 

“ Who has made your lovely eyes 
so tearful ? ” continued Altenberg, 
emboldened by Alice’s silence. “ I 
am ready to avenge these tears, 
even should I be obliged to stake 
my life in so doing.” 

“ Herr Captain,” replied Alice, 
collecting herself,' “ there are tears 
which are infinitely painful, and yet 
one would not willingly miss them. 
Suffer me, therefore, to shed these. 
I hope you have too high an opin- 
ion of your life to stake it for a 
maiden’s tears.” 

“ It has no value to me if I can- 
not devote it to your service,” cried 
Altenberg, drawing nearer to her. 
A rapid glance convinced him that 
they were alone, beyond the reach 
of listening ears. 

“ Fraulein,” said he, “ I have 
only learned to care for my life 
since I met you last year. When 
I saw you the first time, I felt a 
new love of life coursing through 
my veins. Since that time, I have 
lived only on the thought of you. 
I tried to divert my mind : but, in 
the midst of the wildest pleasures, 
the form of an angel always stepped 
before me, filling me with me loath- 
ing for all such enjoyments ; and 
that form was yours.” 

“ Stop, Herr Captain ! ” cried Alice 
in great distress, stretching out her 
hand to ward him off. 


38 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


Altenberg seized her hand, and 
tried to hold it fast. 

“ No, let me speak out,” he con- 
tinued excitedly. “ I have longed 
for this moment, and yet I had 
not courage to seek it ; for your 
coldness has frightened me away 
more than once : and I trembled to 
think of the hour which was to 
decide the happiness of my whole 
life. Alice, I will not appeal to the 
fact that I can offer you more than 
thousands of other men ; for I know 
that the heart places no value upon 
external, transitory possessions. 
I rest my hopes on this alone, — 
that I bring you a heart which 
loves you inexpressibly, which will 
never have another wish than to 
make you happy. Alice, if you 
knew how ardent and true is the 
love this heart feels for you, you 
would have compassion upon me; 
you would spq^k that one little 
word which would make me the 
happiest man on the whole 
earth.” 

Alice stood there, trembling. 
With her left hand she grasped the 
gilded railing of the veranda to 
support herself. Inexpressible an- 
guish had seized her. Her mother’s 
words sounded again in her ears. 
The image of her father stepped 
before her : it looked so sorrowful, 
and seemed to cry, “Make this 
sacrifice for me : thou art the only 
support to which I trust. I have 
loved thee as only a father can love 
his child, have rocked thee in my 
arms when thou wert a little 'one, 
have laughed and played with thee ; 
I have tried to fulfil every wish of 
thine: now make this sacrifice for 


me, — only this one ; for this alone 
can save me.” 

She hesitated, while her heart 
beat violently from anxiety and 
agitation. She was just in the act 
of speaking the word which would 
bind her forever, and bid her re- 
nounce the happiness for which 
she had hoped so joyfully; then 
Arthur’s face rose before her, look- 
ing at her with such a confident 
gaze. She had given her heart to 
him, had sworn love and fidelity to 
him: dared she break this oath? 
She could give up her own happi- 
ness ; but she had no right to 
destroy his also. She would thus 
become a traitress, — perhaps the 
murderer of the man to whom her 
heart belonged forever. 

Taking courage, she stood erect, 
and, in a slightly-trembling voice, 
said, “ Herr von Altenberg, I have 
been cold to you because I sus- 
pected that your heart was drawn 
towards me, and I wished to spare 
you the confession you have just 
made. I do not mistake your love 
or your noble intention ; and, if 
my heart can never belong to you, 
it will always be a comfort to 
me that I have not deceived you, 
that I have never awakened and 
nourished hopes in your heart 
which cannot be fulfilled.” 

“ Stop, stop ! ” interrupted Alten- 
berg in extreme agitation. “You 
have no right to destroy the happi- 
ness of a man’s whole life in such 
a tranquil voice: it is a glowing, 
beating heart that you are break- 
ing. Speak not the word that slays 
me. If you do not love me, leave 
me at least a hope ; deprive me 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


39 


not of all, all. I know that I 
shall win your heart, — perhaps 
not for months, nor for years ; but 
I know that you will give it to me 
at last, if not for love, yet for pity ; 
for you will have compassion upon 
a man who loves you so inexpres- 
sibly, so faithfully. Let me at least 
hope, hope. You dare not refuse 
me this request ! ” 

Alice was deeply moved. The 
words of Altenberg bore the stamp 
of truth. She believed in the 
sincerity of his love ; and it pained 
her that she was, nevertheless, 
obliged to reject it. But was it 
not still more cruel to give him 
a hope to which he would cling in 
vain? She could not deceive him. 

“ Herr von Altenberg, even this 
hope I must take from you,” she 
said in a trembling voice. “ I 
will not deceive you ; for my heart 
can never, never, be yours.” 

Filled with sorrow, Altenberg 
covered his face with both hands, 
and stood for a moment motion- 
less ; then he let his hands drop, 
and, fixing his burning eyes upon 
Alice, said, — 

“And why can it never be 
mine? Why?” 

“Ask me not,” replied Alice 
evasively. 

“ I will tell you. Because you 
already love another,” continued 
the captain with increasing excite- 
ment. “ For the sake of another 
do you repulse me ; and I know 
who has stolen your heart from 
me.” 

Alice was terrified at the ex- 
pression of his flashing eye. She 
had fears for Arthur. 


“ No, no ! I should never have 
loved you,” she said. 

“ You have taken from my life 
its value,” cried Altenberg, forget- 
ting himself more and more, as he 
yielded more fully to the sway of 
passion. “ Do you dream what a 
life without hope or value is ? A 
man plays with it as with a ball, 
risks it gladly, if he can thereby 
satisfy one single thought of ven- 
geance. 

“Ha, ha ! One throws it away; 
but not in vain. Life for life ! And 
to this, to this, have you brought 
me ! ” 

He rushed from the veranda into 
the garden, and disappeared in a 
path bordered with shrubbery. 

Alice seemed stunned. She was 
about to call him back ; but, before 
she had summoned strength to 
speak, he vanished from her sight. 
Unutterable anguish seized her ; for 
she feared the worst results from 
this man’s wild passion. His words 
undoubtedly pointed to Arthur : on 
him would he revenge himself. 
Did he know that Arthur was still 
in the city ? She must inform her 
lover of the danger that threatened 
him : she would implore him to leave 
the city in order to avoid Altenberg. 

She hesitated, uncertain whether 
she should herself hasten to him ; 
but, thinking it would attract atten- 
tion if she left the house alone at 
that hour, she resolved to write to 
Arthur, and hastened to her room 
to carry out her resolution. 

She quickly seated herself at her 
writing-desk ; but her hand trem- 
bled so violently, that she was un- 
able to write a word. Her thoughts 


40 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


were in a whirl ; her heart beat fast 
from excitement and agitation : at 
length, she broke down,. exhausted, 
threw herself on to the sofa, and 
covered her face with both hands. 

There is nothing more touching 
than the sorrow of a young girl. 
The heart, beating so vigorously, 
thinks it possesses strength to con- 
quer the world, and bid defiance to 
the most furious storms ; but the fee- 
ble little hand grows lame at the 
first trial. The storm bends the 
frail reed ; and, in its helplessness, 
it is exposed to all the billows and 
buffe tings of fate. 

The captain, also, sought his room 
in a state of bitter, passionate ex- 
citement. His heart, his pride, his 
sense of honor, — all felt insulted. 
At this moment, his wild nature 
stood out untamed. From his 
youth up, he had been accustomed 
to carry out his will : all opposing 
elements he had overcome by means 
of his father’s power and wealth 
(for gold is a powerful agent), 
and now his dearest wish was 
thwarted by the obstinacy of this 
maiden. He must renounce his 
claim because another man, who 
could neither vie with him in wealth 
nor in power, had already won the 
maiden’s heart. 

He burst into a loud and bitter 
laugh. 

He had thought that any girl to 
to whom he might offer his hand 
would deem herself fortunate. He 
was sure that no man possessed so 
many advantages as himself ; and 
yet he had been refused. His pride 
rebelled, his heart quivered ; for he 
loved Alice, and the opposition he 


had met from her fanned his passion 
into a still fiercer flame. 

Why should he stay any longer 
in this house ? Could he hope to 
overcome Alice’s opposition, and 
win her heart ? If she would not 
be his, no one else should possess 
her. He knew that she loved 
Arthur, — the very man whom he 
already hated before he had a sus- 
picion that he was his rival. He 
would seek him out : on him would 
he vent the rage which sent the 
blood boiling through his veins. 
He made no effort to calm himself : 
he did not wish to be calm ; for it 
gave him a feeling of satisfaction 
to give free rein to his passion. 

He rang quickly for his servant. 
Brender entered. His sharp eye 
immediately detected his master’s 
excitement. 

“ Brender, we leave to-day or to- 
morrow,” said Altenberg. “ Take 
care that the things are packed.” 

Had the captain beei} less excit- 
ed, he would have noticed the con- 
sternation which his words caused 
the servant. 

Brender stood silent. He seem- 
ed to expect that his master would 
add something more ; but Altenberg 
only paced up and down the room 
in great agitation. 

“ Where are we going ? ” asked 
Brender. 

“ Pack the things,” replied the 
captain sharply. “ Am I to render 
an account of my actions to you, 
forsooth ? Stay here, if it does not 
please you to accompany me.” 

The violence of his master’s 
excitement betrayed the cause of 
it to the crafty Brender. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


41 


He had seen him standing on the 
veranda with Alice. He knew the 
captain loved the young lady ; now 
he also knew that he had proposed 
to her, and had been refused. 

“ Do you know where the young 
man, Arthur von Walter, whom we 
met here on our arrival, has gone ? ” 
asked Altenberg suddenly. 

Brender’s eyes lighted up. He 
had not been mistaken in his sup- 
position. 

“ He is living in the city,” he 
answered with a most unembar- 
rassed countenance. 

Altenberg looked up in surprise, 
and gazed inquiringly at Brender. 

“You are mistaken,” said he. 
u The young man was a nephew of 
the baron : he was here on a visit, 
and has gone away. Perhaps you 
may learn where he went, through 
the baron’s servant.” 

“ He is still here, — in the city,” 
repeated Brender. 

“ Impossible ! How do you know 
this ? ” interrupted Altenberg. 

“I have seen him, and heard 
from his own mouth that he is 
staying here.” 

“ Do you know him ? M 

“ I have seen him here, — in this 
house.” 

“ Where did you talk with 
him?” 

“ I have not spoken to him,” re- 
plied Brender. “ I only listened 
while he was talking to the baron’s 
daughter.” 

“ Where, where, was that ? ” 
cried the captain, interrupting him. 

“ In the garden.” 

“ And when ? ” 

“ Late in the evening. You had 


been to the theatre with the baron. 
After supper, the young lady went 
into the garden : this attracted my 
attention ; and I followed her. In 
the shady avenue she met the 
young gentleman, her cousin. I 
succeeded in creeping close behind 
them, and listening to their con- 
versation.” 

“ What did they say ? ” cried 
Altenberg impatiently. “I wish 
to know all, — all ! ” 

His eye was fixed on the ser- 
vant’s lips. 

Brender smiled, and shrugged 
his shoulders. 

“ What lovers usually say,” he 
replied. “ They assured each 
other of their mutual love, and 
swore eternal fidelity. This they 
did repeatedly : I did not count the 
number of times.” 

“ Of what did they speak be- 
sides this?” broke in the captain 
excitedly. 

“ The young gentleman in- 
formed the Fraulein that he should 
remain in the city, in entire seclu- 
sion, in order that her father, and 
you also, should know nothing 
about it.” 

“ Why should not I know it ? ” 
inquired Altenberg, who sought to 
conceal from his servant what was 
passing in his mind, and why he 
was so imbittered. 

“That I do not know,” an- 
swered Brender with a most inno- 
cent air. 

Altenberg still paced through 
the room. 

“ Why did you not tell me this 
at once ? ” he finally asked. 

“ I could not suppose that it 


42 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


would interest you,” replied Bren- 
der, smiling. “ Nothing occurred 
in the conversation touching your- 
self ; else I should not have failed 
to report it to you immediately.” 

Altenberg cast a searching 
glance upon the servant, seeming 
to suspect that he was not telling 
the truth. 

“ Do you know where Herr von 
Walter is staying? ” he asked. 

“No. But, if you care to know, 
I hope I can ascertain for you.” 

“Make every effort to do so,” 
said Altenberg. “It is of great 
importance for me to learn his resi- 
dence, or some place that he fre- 
quents, where I can meet him. I 
will reward you for the informa- 
tion.” 

“ This would require some little 
time; and, if we are going away 
soon, then” — 

“ I shall stay here a while 
longer,” interrupted Altenberg. 
“ Defer the packing until .further 
orders. Have you only seen Herr 
von Walter and the Fraulein to- 
gether once ? ” 

“ Only once,” replied Brender ; 
and he spoke the truth. He was 
evidently rejoiced that they were 
to stay longer in the city. The 
captain had no suspicion of the in- 
terests which governed his servant. 
He knew that Brender was crafty, 
knew that he dared not trust him ; 
but such a skilful, capable servant, 
he had never before possessed. He 
could employ him for all purposes, 
— even for a secretary. 

Brender’s cultivation was far 
beyond that usually attained by 
men in his position ; and he evi- 


dently tried to conceal it in order 
that no suspicion might be awak- 
ened, as he wished, above all things, 
to avoid whatever would call atten- 
tion to himself. In the few months 
that he had been in the captain’s 
service, he had made himself almost 
indispensable, especially in travel- 
ling. He seemed to be at home 
under all circumstances ; to be 
familiar with every place they 
passed through on a journey. He 
often divined his master’s wishes 
and intentions, and possessed this 
desirable peculiarity, — that he 
never seemed to notice any thing 
which the captain wished con- 
cealed ; and there was much in 
Altenberg’s life which others might 
not know. 

Had the captain bestowed great- 
er attention upon this man, his 
character could not have escaped 
detection ; but he was too much 
interested in other things to trouble 
himself about his servant. 

Evening was approaching. A 
man might be seen slowly walking 
up and down before the gate of the 
villa. His heavy, beard was deeply 
tinged with gray; and his figure, 
of medium height, seemed like that 
of a feeble man. To all appear- 
ance, he was merely taking a walk ; 
but a close observer must have 
noticed that his gaze often passed 
beyond the gate, and that he kept 
it constantly in sight. 

At length he entered a coffee- 
house opposite the villa, and seated 
himself close by the window. At 
his request, the waiter brought him 
a glass of lemonade and a newspa- 
per. He took the paper, and held 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


48 


it so as to conceal his face. He did' 
not seem to feel the slightest inter- 
est in its contents ; for his gaze was 
steadfastly fixed upon the gate of 
the villa. 

This man was the commissary. 
No one would have recognized him 
in his disguise, upon which he had 
bestowed the greatest pains, be- 
cause he intended to follow a man 
whose sharp eye he distrusted. He 
was going to watch Brender. 

He had been struck with the fact 
that this man never s^ent an even- 
ing at the villa, but left it at the 
approach of twilight, and went into 
the city. What business could he 
have there, since he had asserted 
that he knew nothing about the 
place ? Had he been trying to 
become familiar with the city, he 
would have chosen the day-time ; 
and, if he were only seeking amuse- 
ment, he would not have declined 
the escort which had been offered 
to him. 

He had not waited long before 
he saw Brender leaving the villa. 
He quickly rose, and left the coffee- 
house. It was not difficult, at first, 
to follow him, and keep him con- 
stantly in sight. Brender was ele- 
gantly dressed. His whole appear- 
ance was different from that of a 
servant. He walked along like a 
man enjoying life, sporting a hand- 
some cane in his right hand. Paus- 
ing for a moment under the shade 
of a tree, he put on a pair of gold 
spectacles, and then went on his 
way. Suddenly he entered a car- 
riage standing a short distance from 
the villa. The commissary was too 
far off to hear the order given to 


the driver ; and the carriage drove 
swiftly away. 

Indignation seized the commissa- 
ry. His efforts seemed thwarted, 
for in a few minutes he must lose 
sight of Brender ; and nowhere 
could he see a second carriage. But 
still he followed as fast as his feet 
would carry him, and still could 
see the carriage before him. 

At length, an empty carriage ap- 
proached him. He sprang quickly 
into it, pressed a piece of money 
into the driver’s hand, and promised 
him double the sum if he would 
overtake the carriage ahead of 
them. 

The driver’s whip' urged the 
horses to a gallop. In a state of 
the greatest suspense, Green looked 
out to watch the carriage he was 
pursuing. He was rapidly ap- 
proaching it ; and yet his purpose 
might easily be thwarted, if it 
should turn into a by-street. But 
fortune seemed to favor him. He 
approached to within thirty paces, 
and then ordered the driver to pro- 
ceed more slowly. 

Brender’s carriage halted at a 
goldsmith’s. He sprang out, and 
entered the shop. The commissa- 
ry followed him, but remained 
standing outside the window in 
order to watch him. Not a move- 
ment could escape his eye. Bren- 
der’s manner was easy and gentle- 
manly: no one would have sus- 
pected him to be a servant. 

The goldsmith placed some rings 
before him, and he drew the glove 
from his left hand with the air of a 
man who was never accustomed to 
go without this article of dress. 


44 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


He examined the rings with the 
eye of a connoisseur, and finally 
selected one : he then took out a 
pocket-book, and handed the gold- 
smith a bill. It must have been 
quite a large bill ; for, as Green es- 
timated, the goldsmith paid him 
back about twenty thalers,. 

Brender received the ring in a 
box, and then withdrew. Green 
turned away as he came out of the 
shop ; but, as soon as Brender re- 
entered his carriage, he also sprang 
into his, and gave the word to the 
driver to begin the pursuit anew. 

The commissary had no suspicion 
of Brender’s object as yet. Perhaps 
he had bought the ring for a sweet- 
heart. The large bill with which 
he had paid for it excited his at- 
tention : perhaps it was stolen 
from his master. 

After a while, Brender’s carriage 
stopped again. He dismounted, and 
paid the driver. Green also dis- 
missed ’ his carriage. Brender 
turned into a by-street, and once 
more entered a goldsmith’s shop : 
this circumstance struck Green all 
the more forcibly because it proved 
that Brender was better known in 
the city than he had pretended to 
be. 

Stationing himself at the window, 
as before, he again watched Bren- 
der in the sharpest manner, while 
he examined the rings, selected 
one, and paid for it with another 
large bill, receiving again about 
twenty thalers in change. 

The commissary was convinced 
that Brender had not come honestly 
by this money ; for he was evidently 
buying rings merely for the sake of 


changing the bills, and thus escap- 
ing detection. But why did he 
not take them to a banker? Was * 
he afraid such a man would first 
institute inquiries ? 

As Brender came out of the shop, 
and passed close by him, the com- 
missary, wishing to cbnceal his face, 
stooped to pick up the cane, which 
he had let fall from apparent inad- 
vertence. Brender went through 
several streets, and finally entered 
a cigar-shop. The commissary post- 
ed himself at the window. 

Brender called for a variety of 
cigars, examined them very care- 
fully, selected several kinds, had 
them packed with particular care, 
and marked with his name : he then 
looked in hisportemonnaie for some 
money, and finally took another 
large bill from his pocket-book. 
Here, also, he received about twen- 
ty thalers. He left the shop sooner 
than Green expected, and seemed 
startled on seeing him. His suspi- 
cions were evidently aroused ; for 
he stepped close up to Green, and 
looked at him sharply. The com- 
missary scarcely seemed to notice 
him, though he did not lose sight 
of him for an instant. 

Brender sprang into a carriage 
which was standing near by, and 
in a loud tone ordered the driver 
to proceed to a well-known place 
of amusement. For an instant, 
Green intended to follow him thi- 
ther, but immediately abandoned 
the thought. He had a crafty man 
to deal with. Not without reason 
had Brender called the name of 
this place of amusement in such a 
loud voice. He had become suspi- 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


45 


cious, and was trying to deceive 
his pursuer. It was never his 
intention to visit this place of amuse- 
ment. 

The commissary gave up the pur- 
suit. A new suspicion had arisen 
in his mind ; and he wished, first of 
all, to satisfy himself concerning it. 
When he could no longer see the 
carriage in which Brender had dri- 
ven away, he turned back to the 
cigar-shop. A rapid glance con- 
vinced him that no one was present 
but the proprietor ; and he quickly 
entered. 

44 A gentleman in gold spectacles 
bought some cigars of you a few 
minutes ago ? ” he inquired. 

“ Quite right,” was the answer. 

“ He paid for the cigars with a 
large bill ? ” continued the commis- 
sary. The proprietor was obliged 
to confirm this also. 

44 May I ask you to show me this 
bill? ” The cigar-dealer hesitated, 
and looked at Green in surprise. 

“I do not know,”. . . he an- 
swered doubtfully. 

“ Ah, you wish to know whether 
I have any authority to mate this 
request,” observed Green. 44 You 
are entirely in the right. I had 
forgotten to introduce myself. I 
am the police commissary, Green. 
Here are my credentials.” 

Involuntarily the cigar - dealer 
started back in alarm. 

Green . smiled. He knew that 
no one likes to have dealings with 
a police commissary. 

44 Do not be frightened,” said he. 
44 1 hope to save you from something 
still more disagreeable. The bill 
must remain in your hands : I only 


wish to look at it by way of pre- 
liminary.” 

The cigar - dealer reluctantly 
passed the bill to him. 

Green took it to the gas-light, and 
examined it critically, drawing a 
microscope from his pocket to assist 
his sight. Suddenly an expression 
of joy shot over his face. 

44 The bill is counterfeit,” said 
he in a confident tone. 44 You will 
permit me to take it with me.” 

As he spoke, he deposited the 
bill in his pocket-book with ex- 
treme care. 

44 1 did not know that the bill 
was counterfeit : I do not know the 
gentleman who gave it to me,” cried 
the cigar-dealer in anxiety and 
alarm. 

44 1 believe you,” replied the com- 
missary soothingly. 44 Not the slight- 
est suspicion will fall upon you. I 
chanced to witness the transaction 
myself, and saw the strange gentle- 
man give you the bill. Can you 
remember whether you ever saw 
him in your shop before ? ” 

44 Never so far as I know.” 

44 1 think I can give you an as- 
surance that you will recover the 
money you paid out in changing 
the bill,” continued Green. 44 But, 
first of all, I must beg you to ob- 
serve the deepest silence. Speak 
to no one about the matter.” 

The man promised to heed this 
request, adding, 44 Do you know 
the strange gentleman?” 

44 1 know him,” replied Green. 

44 Did you already suspect that 
he was circulating counterfeit mo- 
ney?” 

44 1 did not yet suspect it ; but 


46 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


let us be silent on this point. Should 
the same gentleman come to you 
again in order to try the same ex- 
periment once more, receive him 
without embarrassment, and report 
the case to me immediately, at the 
police-office. Here is my card. 
But I beg that your communica- 
tions be made to me alone, in person. 
I pledge myself that no harm shall 
happen to you in this affair.” 

The commissary then went to 
the two goldsmiths, and found, 
as he suspected, that Brender 
had given them both counterfeit 
bills. Of these, also, he took pos- 
session, and, in order to make sure 
that he was not deceived, placed 
them in the hands of a banker for 
examination. He declared the bills 
to be genuine, and only after the 
most careful, thorough scrutiny, 
and comparing them with bills of 
the same kind, which were un- 
doubtedly genuine, was he con- 
vinced that they were counterfeit. 

The false notes must have been 
made by a hand of extraordinary 
skill ; for the counterfeiting could 
hardly be detected. 

Accident had led Green on to 
the track of an unusually danger- 
ous criminal. He was doubtful 
whether he ought to arrest him at 
once, but abandoned the thought, 
because he was persuaded that 
Brender was concerned in the rob- 
bery of the despatches. Moreover, 
there was no danger that Brender 
could escape him, since he had am- 
ple opportunity to watch his move- 
ments in the baron’s house. 

Brender had evidently circulated 
counterfeit bills on previous occa- 


sions ; and there was scarcely a 
doubt that he would repeat the at- 
tempt. And, if he did escape, it 
would not be difficult to find him, 
as he knew the criminal’s appear- 
ance so well. 

Green was strongly inclined to 
avail himself of another officer’s 
assistance in watching Brender, 
but decided not to do so for fear 
he would not proceed with the 
requisite caution. He had learned 
himself how sharp Brender’s eye 
was, and how craftily he went to 
work in the execution of a crime. 

After changing his dress, Green 
sought an interview with the po- 
lice-officer whom he had commis- 
sioned to watch Walter; but he 
had no information to give him, as 
Arthur had not left the house dur- 
ing the whole day. 

“And you have assured your- 
self that there is but one way in 
which he could leave the house ? ” 
asked Green. 

“ There is but one,” answered 
the officer confidently. 

“ It is possible that the young 
man will leave the house very soon, 
go out of the city, and climb over 
the wall into Baron Elko’s garden. 
Follow him only to the wall, and 
there await his return, however 
long it may be delayed ; then fol- 
low him with the greatest caution. 
Let me remind you once more that 
he must not suspect he is watched. 
V ery likely your attention may be 
claimed till late at night ; but I will 
take care that you have time to rest 
to-morrow.” 

The commissary now walked 
slowly towards the villa. His head 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


47 


was so full, that he could hardly 
arrange his thoughts. He had dis- 
covered various clews ; but they 
still ran confusedly together ; and 
his gaze, usually so keen, was un- 
able to see through the complicated 
knot. What an insight into the 
affairs at the villa had he obtained in 
a few days ! How many envied the 
baron this splendid villa, it looked 
so peaceful, standing there amid 
the green trees, as if happiness and 
tranquillity must dwell therein; 
and yet how many mysteries did it 
conceal ! how many intrigues were 
carried on there ! Every one of 
the occupants seemed to have his 
own cares and interests : no com- 
mon tie bound them together. 

Green had a habit, when he was 
tired, and 'his thoughts had lost 
their elasticity, of giving himself 
up to the expansion of single ideas, 
and weaving upon them philosophi- 
cal views. His experience had 
been so large, and so wonderfully 
varied, that at such moments it 
pressed upon him, by force as it 
were, reflections upon human na- 
ture and the relations of society, 
which is guided and bound together 
by a thousand threads. 

He loved such moments, because 
they afforded him refreshment. 
Then he would often suffer the 
strange forms which he had met 
during his life to dance around him 
as in a wild tumult. He saw how 
they attracted and repelled; how 
one pursued another, and again 
sought to defend himself from a 
third: and the one thing which 
they had in common, which united 
and again separated them, was self- 


ishness. Mercilessly one man 
swings himself above the head of 
another, that he may stand in a 
higher place. For a moment, he 
looks around, secure, unconscious 
that a third is already working at 
the slender plank on which he 
stands, in order to overthrow him, 
and raise himself. 

The commissary had become a 
pessimist. 

“ If all men are not criminals,” 
he was wont to say, “ it is only be- 
cause many can satisfy their desires 
without committing a crime. The 
rich man does not need to steal : 
he whom fortune has raised can 
look calmly down upon those be- 
neath him ; he need not crush them, 
because they can never approach 
him. The honest man enjoys his 
reputation only until some passion 
awakes within him, until tempta- 
tion comes ; then he, also, falls, for 
good for nothing are they all.” 

Reflecting thus, Green drew near 
the villa. He wished to walk a 
while in' the quiet garden before 
going to his room ; for the silence 
there was agreeable to him after 
being in the bustle of the city. 
Walking along through paths thick- 
ly shaded by shrubbery, he felt re- 
freshed by the fragrance of flowers 
which was wafted towards him. 
He breathed more freely. In order 
to follow out the thoughts that had 
accompanied him thus far, he was 
about to turn into the shady avenue, 
and seat himself on the bench, 
when .he unexpectedly saw the 
figure of a woman stepping from a 
side-path. He involuntarily drew 
back, thinking Alice was going to 


48 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


meet her lover. But, as he care- 
fully pushed aside the branches of 
the bush behind which he was 
standing, he recognized the maid 
of the baroness. 

He was about to step out, re- 
joiced at meeting her alone at last, 
when he noticed that she gave a 
sign with her hand. She could not 
have seen him : the sign, therefore, 
must be meant for another. He 
resolved to await the arrival of that 
other one. 

A moment afterwards, Brender 
followed her ; and the two hurried 
on. 

Green was astonished, not only 
at Brender’s return, but at his un- 
derstanding with the maid.' He 
followed them with the greatest 
caution, drawing his boots off, so 
that his steps might not be heard. 
They seated themselves in a retired 
spot ; and, though Green felt the 
importance of listening to their low 
conversation,, it was almost impossi- 
ble to approach them unobserved. 
Very cautiously he crept towards 
them, between the shrubbery, crawl- 
ing on his hands and knees. The 
rustling of a dry leaf, the breaking 
of a withered twig, might betray 
him ; for, with a man like Brender, 
he must suppose that caution would 
not be forgotten, even in the ten- 
derest interview. 

After untold exertion, he finally 
approached to within a few steps of 
them : scarcely a word escaped him. 

“ You must go away with me,” 
whispered Brender. . 

“ I have a very good place,” re- 
plied the maid. “ I am very well 
pleased here.” 


“ You are a simpleton,” broke in 
Brender. “ Do you think you will 
not be a hundred times better 
pleased if you go with me ? I 
shall then give up my place also. I 
have saved so much, that we can 
lead a careless, merry life.” 

The maid did not consent to 
Brender’s proposal, but asked when 
he was going. 

“ That depends upon my master,” 
was the answer. “ In a few days, 
perhaps. I do not like to leave 
him earlier, because that would 
give offence. Hold yourself in 
readiness, Marie. You know that 
I love you : never again will you 
find a man whose heart cleaves to 
you so faithfully. I have loved 
you since the hour when first I saw 
you.” 

Though pressed so hard, the maid 
was still irresolute. 

“ Perhaps you love another,” 
continued Brender. “ The new 
secretary, perhaps ? ” 

“ I have hardly seen him,” an- 
swered Marie. 

“I have no faith in the man,” 
said Brender : “ his eyes look sus- 
picious to me. He seems to have 
done but little work for the baron 
thus far ; but perhaps he only took 
him into his service for pleasure ? ” 

“ I care nothing about him,” ob- 
served Marie. “ The baron is good- 
natured, and can hardly refuse any 
one who brings a request to him.” 

“ Ha, ha ! Do you know that from 
your own experience ? ” interrupted 
Brender with a laugh. “ Confess, 
my dear girl, that the baron has 
already granted more than one of 
your requests. I will never again 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


49 


rely upon my knowledge of man- 
kind, if the baron’s face does not 
plainly betray that he is utterly un- 
able to resist a pair of pretty, dark 
eyes.” 

He clasped Marie in his arms ; 
but in a half-indignant, half-coquet- 
tish manner, she released herself. 

“ I know nothing as to that,” she 
replied. “You are mistaken in 
him.” 

“ Hush, hush ! you little witch,” 
said Brender laughingly. “ Have 
you seen the secretary this even- 
ing ? ” . 

“No.” 

“ It seems to me as if I saw his 
eye in the city ; but I am not sure. 
I would give a great deal to know 
whether there are two men in this 
place with the same eyes. Is your 
young lady at home, then ? ” 

“ How does that concern you ? ” 
said Marie. 

“ It concerns me very naturally, 
you little simpleton,” continued 
Brender. “ If she is not at home, 
you have nothing to do, and can 
sit here with me until we hear the 
carriage coming. Now, do you 
understand that she interests me 
very much ? ” 

“ She is at home,” said Marie ; 
“ and I must expect her to ring for 
me at any moment.” 

“ I think my master has designs 
upon her,” said Brender. “ You 
women have sharp eyes: do you 
think she loves him ? ” 

Marie shook her head. 

“ My master is rich, very rich,” 
continued Brender. “ He often 
throws as much money away in one 
day as would support a large family I 

4 


a year. If your young lady does 
not love him, then she has certainly 
given her heart to another.” 

Marie was silent. 

“ I would like to lay a wager that 
it belongs to the young man who 
went away soon after our arrival.” 

“ How do you know that ? ” in- 
terrupted Marie. 

“ Ha, ha, you little witch ! Do 
you think that a man’s eyes cannot 
see ? I know also that she writes to 
him, and that you take charge of 
her letters.” 

“ Ha, ha ! you are mistaken ; for 
I have never yet been intrusted 
with a letter to him.” 

“ Perhaps he has not left the 
city,” remarked Brender. 

“ Of course he has. The baron 
is his uncle ; and, if he were still in 
town, he would stay here.” 

“Iam sorry for it. I could give 
him some information which would 
interest him, and is of the greatest 
importance, indeed ; but I can only 
impart it personally.” 

“ What is it about ? ” asked 
Marie with great curiosity. 

“ That is my secret, little fool ! 
I might easily lose my place if I 
should gossip incautiously. Tell 
me where the young man resides.” 

“ I do not know.” 

“ But your young lady knows : 
can you not learn from her ? ” 

“ I do not dare ask her. Had she 
written to him, I should certainly 
have known it.” 

At that moment, they heard a bell 
ringing violently. Marie sprang 
up. In vain did Brender try to 
hold her back. She tore herself 
from his arms, and ran hastily away. 


50 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


Brender quietly kept his seat, 
and compelled the commissary to 
wait, also, in his painfully-con- 
strained position. 

Green had hoped to learn more 
from this conversation. Not a word 
had been said concerning the de- 
spatch, — the subject which claimed 
his highest interest. But he was 
confirmed in his suspicions in regard 
to Brender. It was clear to him 
that he had only entered upon this 
love-affair with the maid in order 
to sound her. He evidently knew 
that Walter was still in the city ; 
and the sole object of his crafty 
questions was to discover the place 
of his abode. But why was he 
trying to discover it ? What rela- 
tions existed between him and the 
young man who loved Alice ? Ever 
more and more complicated were 
affairs becoming, so that he was 
quite unable to survey them all. 

At length Brender rose, and re- 
lieved the commissary from his un- 
comfortable position. 

About an hour later, Arthur and 
Alice met in the garden, and en- 
joyed the happiness of being to- 
gether, not suspecting that a man 
was hidden behind a tree, listening 
to them : it was Brender. 

When they separated, Brender 
followed Arthur on his way home, 
like a shadow. He noticed that 
another man was also following him, 
who tried to conceal himself as 
much as possible in the shadow of 
the opposite houses until Arthur 
reached his dwelling. Brender im- 
pressed the number of the house 
upon his mind, and then returned 
home. 


On his way, he met the commis- 
sary. Both were astonished in an 
equal degree at meeting each other. 
Green first recovered his compos- 
ure. 

“ Ha, ha ! At last I meet you ! ” 
he cried in the jolliest tone, play- 
ing the part of a man exhilarated 
by wine. “Not a word : you are 
recognized. You told me vou had 
no time for pleasure ; and yet you 
are roaming the streets late in the 
evening. Hush, old friend ! I know 
all ! One need not have been 
brought up.in the city to know you. 
In the street at this hour ! Bren- 
der, you are a scamp : that I saw at 
the first glance. Now you must 
drink one more glass of wine with 
me : you must, I say. Ha, ha ! I feel 
to-night as if I could empty fifty 
flasks. Brender, you are a famous 
fellow, who knows how to appre- 
ciate a good flask of wine. Come 
on, then ! ” 

Before Brender could answer, the 
commissary took his arm, and drew 
him along. 

“ Come ! ” he continued. “ Ha, 
ha ! I will be your guide : you do 
not yet know where there is a drop 
worth drinking. Brender, old boy. 
Ha, ha ! I’ll wager that I will drink 
you under the table, — under the 
table, I say. ” 

Brender did not refuse to ac- 
company him. 

“ You seem to have been in 
merry company,” said he. 

“ Company ! No : I have not 
been in any company,” cried 
Green. “ Ha, ha, old boy ! you 
have missed your guess. I have 
been to the theatre with my 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


51 


little sweetheart; and after that 
we took supper, and drank a few 
flasks of wine. God save wine, 
and God save love ! ” 

Almost staggering along, he 
drew Brender into a wine-cellar, 
and, in a loud voice, ordered 
some wine. 

44 Now drink, my boy,” cried 
Green. 44 I was really angry with 
you because you declined my ser- 
vices as an escort, and have not 
been friendly enough towards you. 
But there are moments in a man’s 
life when he forgets every thing. 
Now drink to the health of all 
whom we love.” 

The glasses rang against, each 
other. 

44 1 went into the city a little 
while ago,” said Brender. 44 When 
one has been working the whole 
day, he longs for recreation.” 

44 Ha, ha ! That is just my case,” 
cried Green with a laugh, as he 
filled the glasses anew. “I have 
but little to do now, to be sure ; 
but I am afraid these fine days 
will soon be over. Brender, why 
did not? fate allot money to us ? — 
I mean a great deal of money. 
We should have been the jolliest 
fellows! In the morning a deli- 
cate breakfast; at noon a grand 
dinner; and in the evening a 
supper in the society of ladies. 
Brender, I see that I touch your 
secret desires. Such a life would 
please you ! Eh ? ” 

Brender smiled, — a subtle smile. 

“A poor servant like myself 
can never think of leading such 
a life. I am satisfied if I only 
have my simple bread.” 


44 1 am never satisfied,” cried 
Green, interrupting him. 44 Am I 
to see others living like gods, and 
content myself with water ? Non- 
sense ! man lives but once.” 

44 Does your purse allow you 
often to lead such a life as you 
have to-night? ” inquired Brender. 

The commissary laughed softly 
44 Ha, ha ! A crafty man always 
finds some means. Brender,” he 
continued in a whisper, 44 honesty 
may be a very good thing ; but 
it brings a man a devilish small 
income. Ha, ha ! will it buy you 
a flask of wine, or even a cigar ? 
Apropos , have you a cigar about 
you ? ” 

Brender handed him his cigar- 
case. With the air and the en- 
joyment of a connoisseur , Green 
smoked his cigar. 

44 A famous weed, a genuine 
Havana ! ” he cried. 44 Where did 
you buy it ? ” 

44 1 do not know the name of the 
dealer. I entered his shop by good 
luck.” 

44 Do you take me for a fool, 
old boy, that I should believe this 
story ? ” broke in Green. 44 Your 
master’s cigar-box is the place 
where these were bought.” 

Brender denied the imputa- 
tion. 

44 Ha, ha ! Softly, my friend, 
softly,” continued Green. 44 Do 
not look so frightened. A mas- 
ter is bound to provide his ser- 
vants with the necessaries of life, 
among which a cultivated man reck- 
ons a good cigar ; consequently, a 
servant has a right to his master’s 
cigar-box. Ha ! Is not that logi- 


52 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


cal ? Nothing goes beyond sound 
logic.” 

44 But very dangerous conse- 
quences result from it,” said 
Brender, shrugging his shoulders. 

44 Of course, of course,” replied 
Green. 44 One must apply this 
logic very cautiously. I believe 
your master has a sharp eye. How 
long will he remain here ? ” 

44 I cannot tell. He does not 
speak to me about such things.” 

44 Is he pleased with the place ? ” 
continued Green. 

44 I do not know, but have no 
doubt that he is. He has cer- 
tainly been very kindly received 
by the baron.” 

Green tried to make Brender 
drink freely, in order to loosen 
his tongue ; but he did not suc- 
ceed. He was cautious in drink- 
ing, and still more so in talking. 
He laughed at Green’s jokes, but 
did not become in the least degree 
more communicative. At length, 
he urged their departure, as it was 
so late at night. 

Green was about to pay the bill, 
but searched in vain for his purse. 

44 Do you pay it for me,” said he. 
44 1 will discharge my debt early 
to-morrow morning. Ha, ha ! I 
suspect my little sweetheart has 
played a joke upon me, and drawn 
my purse from my pocket.” 

Brender readily paid for the 
wine. Green cast a hasty glance 
into his portemonnaie ; but it con- 
tained very little money. The one 
he had a few hours before, when 
he was purchasing rings and cigars, 
was much finer. 

They walked home arm in arm. 


Green faithfully carried out the tip- 
sy character he had assumed. As 
they drew near the villa, he noticed 
a man slowly walking up and down, 
evidently waiting for some one. At 
the first glance, he recognized in 
him one of the most desperate and 
cunning knaves in the city, who 
knew him also. It would there- 
fore be very disagreeable to the 
commissary to meet him now, since 
he might easily betray his real po- 
sition. At the same instant, he 
felt a convulsive movement of 
Brender’s arm. He, too, seemed 
to know the man, and to feel sur- 
prised or alarmed at seeing him. 

A rapid side-glance at his com- 
panion’s face convinced the com- 
missary that he was not mistaken. 
He therefore dropped Brender’s 
arm, and stepped aside ; while the 
servant walked on quickly, and 
spoke a few hurried words to the 
man, who thereupon retreated im- 
mediately. 

Green pretended that he had not 
seen the man. With a merry jest 
he rang the bell : the porter opened 
the door, and they entered the 
villa. 

On the following morning, Arthur 
was in his room in the happiest 
frame of mind. Alice had told him 
the previous evening, how decid- 
edly she had rejected the captain’s 
suit. Now she was his, his forever. 
Every feeling of jealousy had van- 
ished from his heart. He was no 
longer angry, even with the cap- 
tain. Alice had promised that he 
might claim her soon ; and, reclining 
on the sofa, he painted the happi- 
ness of the future. He would ex- 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


53 


ert himself to the utmost to make 
her life pleasant ; and imagination 
transformed his little estate to a 
paradise, in which he wandered 
with Alice. 

He had not yet applied to Alice’s 
parents for her hand ; but he doubt- 
ed not that they would willingly 
consent, for they both loved him, 
and had met him in the most friend- 
ly manner. 

His reveries were disturbed by a 
knock at his door. Unwillingly he 
called out, “ Come in ! ” 

A man whom he did not know 
entered, and handed him a letter. 
He carefully scrutinized the direc- 
tion, which ran thus, “ Herr Arthur 
von Walter, lord of a manor.” The 
number of the house, and the name 
of the street, were added correctly. 
The handwriting was distinct, firm, 
and handsome ; but he did not 
recognize it. 

“Who gave you the letter?” 
asked Arthur, before opening it. 

“ A gentleman who came from 
the hotel of the Crown Prince. I 
do not know him,” replied the mes- 
senger. 

Again Arthur examined the di- 
rection, trying to recall the writing. 

“ Does the gentleman expect an 
answer ? ” 

“ He said nothing to me about it. 
Arthur gave the man some drink- 
money, and dismissed him. He 
then read the letter, which caused 
him to look up in astonishment. 
It ran thus : — 

“ Only by a fortunate accident 
have I learned your address. What 
has happened to make you a hermit? 
I am to be here only till to-morrow, I 


and must speak to you. In an hour 
I will await you at the new restau- 
rant: I conceal my name until 
then, in order to see whether your 
memory is faithful. Pray come. 
With hearty greetings. 

“ An Old Acquaintance.” 

Once more he glanced over the 
lines. He thought the handwriting 
was familiar, and yet he could not 
remember whose it was. In vain 
did he summon before his mind the 
handwriting of all his friends and 
acquaintances : this was still un- 
known. 

At last, he threw the letter down 
indignantly. Might not some one 
be playing a joke upon him ? If 
the writer of the letter were really 
an old acquaintance, by what acci- 
dent could he have discovered his 
residence, since he had kept it en- 
tirely secret. That Alice had be- 
trayed it, he could not suppose. 

And then the thought impressed 
itself upon him, that, owing to his 
very secrecy, no one could be play- 
ing a joke upon him. 

He resolved that he would not 
obey the summons ; but, neverthe- 
less, his curiosity increased more 
and more. Was it not possible 
that an acquaintance would really 
await him at the appointed place ? 
He sprang up hastily to dress him- 
self. 

Before an hour had passed, he 
was on his way to the restaurant. 
Arrived there, his eye glanced over 
the various rooms with intense in- 
terest. There were but few guests 
present, breakfasting, or reading 
their newspapers ; but they were all 
strangers to him. He seated him- 


54 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


self in a corner, from which he could 
overlook the entrance, and, for ap- 
pearance’ sake, seized a paper. 

Scarcely a moment had he sat 
there when he saw Capt. von Al- 
tenberg come in. Arthur shud- 
dered involuntarily. The thought 
that the letter had come from him 
arose in his mind ; but at the same 
time he was forced to admit that 
Altenberg knew nothing about his 
residence in the city. He, as well 
as the baron, believed that he had 
gone away days before. 

Altenberg looked hurriedly round 
the room, but not did seem to see 
Arthur. Chance appeared to lead 
him into his vicinity ; and his eye 
fell upon him just as he was about 
to take a seat. 

A half-surprised, half-scornful 
smile flitted over his face. 

“Ah, Herr von Walter! you 
here ! ” he cried, drawing a few 
steps nearer. “ I was firmly con- 
vinced that you left the city seve- 
ral days ago.” 

A feeling of embarrassment took 
possession of Arthur. His concili- 
atory frame of mind was speedily 
dissipated by the captain’s scornful 
smile. 

“ 1 think my presence in the city 
now does not exclude the fact of 
my departure a few days ago,” he 
replied. “ Is it any thing so extraor- 
dinary that I have returned ? ” 

“ Certainly not, ” said Alten- 
berg. “ I no longer need think, 
then, that my arrival has driven 
you from your uncle’s house ? ” 

“ Assuredly not, ” replied Ar- 
thur. “ My departure was decided 
upon before you came. Moreover, 


my uncle’s house is large enough 
for us both.” 

“ Undoubtedly,” broke in Alten- 
berg. “ I should, at least, have 
endeavored to take as little notice 
of you as possible.” 

Arthur started up. The blood 
left his face : he no longer doubted 
that the letter had come from Al- 
tenberg. 

“ Herr Captain, you seem to have 
come here only to insult me ! ” he 
cried in a slightly-trembling voice. 

Altenberg shrugged his shoulders 
contemptuously. 

“ I leave the interpretation of 
my words entirely to yourself,” he 
replied. “ If you find any thing 
insulting in them, I have no objec- 
tion, but am, of course, ready to 
give you satisfaction, if you have 
courage to demand it, and do not 
prefer to shelter yourself behind 
your uncle’s position.” 

Arthur was hardly able to re- 
strain his violent anger. 

“ These words correspond per- 
fectly to your infamous character,” 
he exclaimed. “ Our conversation 
is at an end. Every additional 
word spoken to you would be an 
injury to my honor. Your charac- 
ter is well known to me: you have 
signalized it sufficiently by the 
honorable affair with the ballet- 
dancer : at that time, your father’s 
position sheltered you. Should I 
make that story public to-morrow, 
it would no longer be possible for 
you to wear the mask behind which 
you hide, or to carry the sword of 
an officer. You know the claim 
that the criminal law has upon 
you.” 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


55 


With these words he turned his 
back upon the captain, and walked 
to the window. 

The blood had faded from Alten- 
berg’s face, which was now of an 
ashy hue. He was about to make 
some reply ; but his trembling lips 
refused their service. He had no 
suspicion that Arthur knew of that 
dark point in his life : he was thus 
entirely in his power. 

He rushed from the restaurant, 
which he had entered with such 
audacious haughtiness ; beckoned 
to Brender, who was waiting for 
him at a little distance ; and then 
flung himself into a carriage with 
his servant. 

He proceeded to the baron’s vil- 
la without delay, and there shut 
himself up in his room. With 
quick and restless step he paced up 
and down : his face was hideously 
distorted. At length, he laughed 
aloud in scorn and. bitterness. 
The thought lying nearest to his 
heart seemed, at last, to occur to 
him. 

Had he not the most certain 
prospect of a duel with the hated 
Arthur ? and might he not hope to 
close his mouth forever ? He was 
one of the best pistol-shots : his 
hand never missed its aim, and nev- 
er trembled when he was standing 
opposite an adversary. Not only 
did he wish to vent his hate upon 
Arthur ; but he felt that he must 
kill him to secure his own safety. 

Then might Alice give her hand 
to the dead man : she might try to 
be happy with him. He had little 
cause to fear the consequences of a 
duel: the military court had mild 


views and laws concerning such 
matters ; and, if he should actually 
be condemned to imprisonment in 
a fortress, he might hope for a 
speedy pardon through the influ- 
ence of his father. 

He was undecided, for a moment, 
as to whether he should take Bren- 
der into the secret. But he could 
not dispense with his assistance ; 
and he believed, also, that he could 
rely upon his silence. He opened 
the door, and called to his servant. 

Brender entered, with a look of 
keen observation on his face. He 
had already guessed that his mas- 
ter was aiming at a duel with Ar- 
thur ; but he had been puzzled by 
the consternation in which the cap- 
tain had returned from the restau- 
rant. In vain had he reflected upon 
the subject. 

“ Brender,” said Altenberg, “ I 
have had a quarrel with Herr von 
Walter, which will doubtless lead 
to a duel.” 

Brender nodded in assent, as if 
he were hearing something that he 
already knew. 

“ I need your help, and think I 
can rely upon your silence,” con- 
tinued Altenberg. “ You know I 
pay well for such services. No one 
in this house must learn any thing 
about the matter, — no one ! ” 

“ You know that I understand 
how to be silent,” observed Bren- 
der. “ Moreover, I have nothing 
to do with any one in the house.” 

“ It is very possible that the re- 
sult of the duel may be bad (I do 
not mean for myself) ; but still it 
would oblige me to depart immedi- 
ately. Can you pack my things, 


56 the lost 

and prepare for instant departure, 
without letting any one know what 
you are doing ? ” 

Brender smiled with an expres- 
sion of superiority : this task would 
be very easy to him. 

“ Rely upon me, Herr Captain,” 
he replied. “ When will the duel 
take place ? ” 

“ Early to-morrow morning, pro- 
bably.” 

“ Then I will pack your things 
in the night; and not even the 
sharpest ear shall hear a sound. I 
only desire that your ball may hit 
Herr von Walter in the right place.” 

“ I hope so,” was the reply of 
Altenberg, who was too much ex- 
cited to notice that Brender was 
trying to sound him. 

“ Might not your object be at- 
tained in another and far surer 
way? ” observed Brender in a half 
whisper. “No one can control a 
ball when it has left the barrel.” 

Altenberg looked up in astonish- 
ment. 

Had Brender touched a thought 
that had already risen in his own 
mind ? “ What do you mean ? ” 

he asked. 

Brender shrugged his shoulders 
with a cunning smile. 

Altenberg paced up and down 
the room a few times in silence. 

“ No,” he answered. “ The duel 
must take place ; my honor de- 
mands it : and I can trust to my 
hand.” 

“ And if you should be wounded 
yourself?” 

“Hush, hush ! ” broke in Alten- 
berg. “ Herr von Walter is an 
unpractised shot.” 


DESPATCH. 

“ Shall you go away to-morrow, 
at all events ? ” questioned Brender. 

“ At all events.” 

“ And whither ? ” 

“ That I will tell you early in 
the morning : it depends upon cir- 
cumstances. You will accompany 
me to the place of combat: the 
question will be decided there. In 
case of the worst, you will follow 
me later with the things, if I should 
be compelled to leave immediately.” 

Over Brender ’s face flashed a 
subtle smile. 

“ I rely upon your activity and 
your silence, ” said Altenberg. 
“ Now, spend this day in the way 
most agreeable to yourself.” 

With these words he stepped to 
his secretary, and handed the ser- 
vant several pieces of gold. 

“You shall be entirely satisfied 
with me,” said Brender as he left 
the room. 

Arthur had sent a challenge to 
the captain by a friend, which was, 
of course, accepted. He now sat 
in his room reflecting upon what 
had taken place. Far from him 
was every thought of fear, for his 
personal courage was great; but 
his enthusiastic character plunged 
him into a melancholy frame of 
mind, which completely mastered 
him. He could not drive it away. 

In the midst of his happiness, 
Altenberg’s revenge struck him. 
He longed to see Alice once more, 
and to talk with her ; but still he 
was afraid to write, requesting an 
interview, because he felt that he 
should not have strength enough 
to conceal from her what had oc- 
curred. He was a man of too much 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


57 


feeling for his own comfort. A 
hundred others would have looked 
forward with a light heart to the 
coming day. At length he seated 
himself at his writing-desk, and 
wrote to Alice, telling her all his 
thoughts and feelings. She was to 
receive the letter after the duel. 
He wrote it under the foreboding 
impression of coming death, like a 
man who is bidding farewell to the 
life and happiness to which he 
clings with every pulsation of his 
heart, because honor is of the 
highest worth to him. 

At the same hour, the captain 
was practising with his pistol in a 
shooting-galler} 7 -, in order to con- 
vince himself that he still possessed 
his old skill ; but Arthur thought 
not of doing so, though he was 
conscious that he had not had a 
pistol in his hand for a long time. 

On the evening of this day the 
commissary, skilfully disguised, fol- 
lowed Brender into the city, and 
saw him once more passing coun- 
terfeit bills. He still hesitated to 
arrest him, however, because he 
could not easily escape him. 

Late in the evening he returned, 
and, in order to enjoy the warm 
summer night, threw himself into 
one of the seats in the garden. By 
chance, he could overlook the win- 
dows of the captain’s room from 
this place. His attention was at- 
tracted by seeing that they were 
still lighted ; though all the house- 
hold had betaken themselves to rest. 
The curtains were carefully drawn, 
so that he could not look into the 
room ; but he noticed the shadow of 


a person moving back and forth 
incessantly. Not until day was 
dawning was the light extinguish- 
ed. A window was opened ; and 
he saw Brender’s head looking out. 

The suspicion arose in the com- 
missary’s mind that the captain was 
about to go away, and that Brender 
was packing the things. The se- 
crecy with which this was done led 
him to suppose that the departure 
was to be secret also, or very sud- 
den. He had no idea why the 
captain’s preparations for departure 
were made so secretly. The thought 
that Altenberg knew about the cir- 
culation of the counterfeit bills 
occurred to him ; but he rejected it 
after brief reflection, for this sus- 
picion had no foundation, since 
Altenberg’s father was very rich. 

He decided to adopt measures 
of prudence without delay; and 
therefore, swinging himself over 
the wall, he hastened to the police- 
office. 

There he commissioned several 
officers to stay in the vicinity of 
the villa, thoroughly disguised, and 
to watch Brender in the most care- 
ful manner. If he left the villa, 
they were to follow him, and, in 
case he repaired to the railway sta- 
tion, he was to be arrested. 

He himself undertook to con- 
tinue his watch of Brender within 
the villa. Sleep surprised him after 
the night spent in watching. He 
fell asleep, sitting by the window in 
his room. He was wakened by the 
sound of a passing carriage. Bren- 
der had been for the carriage, as it 
seemed : he sprang from it, and 
hastened into the house. Were 


58 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


they *about to depart ? the commis- 
sary thought so. He quickly left 
the house, and stepped behind some 
shrubbery, where he could watch 
the carriage. 

A few minutes afterwards, Al- 
tenberg and Brender came out of 
the house, and entered the carriage. 
It struck Green that they had no 
baggage with them. Brender car- 
ried only a small, polished box 
under his arm, and his master’s 
overcoat. 

Wliat was their intention ? 

Green could not think the cap- 
tain was taking his leave, because 
the baron would have accompanied 
him, and placed his own carriage 
at the disposal of his guest. Still 
less was it to be supposed that they 
were merely taking a drive ; for 
they would not have entered the 
carriage in such haste. It seemed 
to him as if they looked around 
timidly, and would gladly be un- 
seen. At the same moment, he 
saw two of the disguised police- 
officers slowly passing the villa : 
this relieved Green ; for he now 
knew that Brender could not es- 
cape him. 

The carriage rolled swiftly away 
with the captain and Brender, tak- 
ing the road leading away from the 
city. Green was about to hasten 
after it, when a piece of paper ly- 
ing on the ground attracted his 
attention. He picked it up quick- 
ly. One glance at the letter suf- 
ficed to explain every thing. 

It ran as follows : — 

“Dear Friend, — Herr von Wal- 
ter’s second has just been to see 


me, requesting me to make arrange- 
ments to have the duel take place 
an hour earlier in the morning. I 
can but acquiesce in the reasons 
which he alleges for this wish : he 
fears, that, at the hour originally 
appointed, some disturbance would 
be caused by persons passing the 
place of combat. Such a disturb- 
ance would be no less unpleasant 
to yourself. Walter’s second will 
provide his pistols ; but do you 
bring your own with you, — those 
with, which you have practised. 
Abandon the idea of shooting at 
the head : the breast is surer. Do 
not call for me in the morning : I 
will await you at the entrance of 
the birch-grove. To that point I 
will ride on horseback : there we 
will leave the carriage also, and 
take a short cut to the oak on foot. 
I wish you a peaceful night, be- 
cause sound sleep gives a steady 
hand. 

“ Farewell till to-morrow morn- 
ing. Yours, 

“ Chepar.” 

A moment the commissary stood 
there in astonishment, reading once 
more the letter, which was directed 
to the captain, and which he must 
have dropped as he entered the 
carriage. He then instantly decided 
upon the course he was to pursue. 

He hastened to the baron’s room, 
and was received by him with 
great excitement. 

“ I have just sent for you,” he 
cried. “A new attempt to open 
the casket has been made during 
the past night : look at the 
key!” 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


59 


Another interest lay nearer the 
commissary’s mind at that moment. 

“ First of all, read this letter, 
Herr Baron,” he replied. . 

Elka took the letter, and glanced 
over it. 

“I do not understand it,” he 
said. “ A duel is in question ; but 
my nephew went away several 
days ago.” 

“ He is still here.” 

“ Impossible ! He has left the 
city,” exclaimed Elka. 

“ He has not left it. I have seen 
him myself, and can point out his 
residence to you.” 

“ Where did you see him ? ” 

“ Here, — in the garden.” 

“ Alone ? ” 

Green hesitated before giving an 
answer. Was he at liberty to be- 
tray the secret of the lovers ? He 
must : it could no longer remain a 
secret. 

“ With your daughter,” he re- 
plied. 

The baron stamped his foot in- 
dignantly. 

“ Why did you not inform me of 
this at once ? ” he asked. 

“ Herr Baron, I am here in the 
interest of an entirely different 
matter. I am accustomed to re- 
spect the secrets of every family, 
and should have kept this one 
locked up in my breast, if the duel 
had not seemed to stand in the 
closest connection with it.” 

The baron’s gaze was fixed for a 
moment. He now knew why Alice 
had treated the captain so coldly ; 
and the consequences of this cold- 
ness now struck him with double 
force. 


“ What ought I to do first? ” he 
asked in a half-absent manner. 

“ Try to prevent the duel,” an- 
swered the commissary. “ I might 
have done this alone ; but the affair 
would then attract greater atten- 
tion, and involve far different con- 
sequences : I believed that I was 
acting entirely for your interest in 
informing you of every thing, and 
seeking your intervention to pre- 
vent the duel.” . 

“ You are right ; you are right ! 
I thank you,” exclaimed Elka in a 
hurried, excited manner. “ The 
duel must not take place. I must 
prevent it at all events. You do 
not dream how much depends upon 
it.” 

“Then we must not delay a 
moment longer,” replied Green. 
“ Capt. von Altenberg has already 
gone to the place of combat.” 

“ Already, now ! ” cried the bar- 
on in alarm. “ Order my carriage 
as quickly as possible, while I am 
dressing.” 

He rang hurriedly for George. 
Never had his servant seen him in 
such consternation : too much trou- 
ble had assailed him on that morn- 
ing. 

A few minutes later, the carriage 
in which the baron and the commis- 
sary were seated rolled along to- 
wards the birch-grove. The driver 
urged his horses to their utmost 
speed. 

Near the grove, the commissary 
met the two officers, who were hur- 
rying after Brender. They tried 
to inform Green that they were 
following him He interrupted 
them. 


60 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


“ Get in : I know all ! ” he cried. 
“ Has the carriage containing the 
two gentlemen much the start of 
us ?” 

“ About half a mile,” answered 
one of the officers. “We could 
not follow it faster.” 

“ I see you have done your full 
duty. It is to be hoped that we 
are not yet too late.” 

Thus far the baron had sat silent. 
He seemed tg take no interest in 
what was passing, so many cares 
filled his mind. The whole affair 
still seemed mysterious to him. 

“ What will you do if the duel 
has already taken place ? ” he asked 
the commissary. 

Green shrugged his shoulders 
evasively. “I cannot decide: it 
depends upon circumstances.” 

“ You will understand that it is 
of great importance to me that this 
unfortunate duel should be kept 
secret. You know that Capt. von 
Altenberg is the son of the minis- 
ter. He is visiting at my house : to 
his father, as well as to myself, the 
consequences would be most un- 
pleasant.” 

“ I hope you will yet succeed in 
preventing the duel,” replied Green. 
“ If this is possible, I shall not med- 
dle with the affair.” 

He then bent from the carriage, 
and ordered the coachman to drive 
still faster. 

The horses ran at a full gallop. 

“Do you know who gave oc- 
casion for tills duel, — who brought 
it on ? continued Elka. 

“ The only thing that I know 
about it, I learned from the letter 
I gave you ; but I think I am not 


mistaken in assuring you that Capt. 
voti Altenberg brought it on. Your 
nephew seemed to use every effort 
to keep his residence in the city 
secret. In what way the captain 
learned it is still incomprehensible 
to me.” 

“ And what could have been the 
occasion of the duel ? ” 

“ Jealousy, I think,” replied the 
commissary. 

The baron relapsed into silence. 

The carriage had already turned 
into the grove ; and, as the road be- 
came rough, Green gave the order 
to halt, in order that they might 
traverse the short distance to the 
oak, on foot. 

He sprang from the carriage to 
assist the baron in dismounting. 
At that moment a shot was heard. 

Green stamped angrily upon the 
ground. 

“ We come too late,” he said. 

The baron did not answer: his 
face was strikingly pale. 

About half a minute later, a sec- 
ond shot was heard. 

Elka hurried swiftly on in the 
greatest excitement. The commis- 
sary whispered a few words to the 
two officers, and then hastened 
after the baron. He was himself 
excited by the two shots ; for he 
could not yet estimate the conse- 
quences. 

They soon reached the place of 
combat, under the oak. A single 
glance was sufficient to show them 
what had taken place. Arthur was 
lying on the ground ; several gentle- 
men were standing near him ; a 
physician knelt by his side. 

At a distance of about twenty 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


61 


paces stood the captain, talking 
with his servant. A scornful smile 
was on his face. He started in 
alarm when he saw Elka and 
Green. 

Elka hastened to wards him great- 
ly excited. 

“ Herr Captain, what has hap- 
pened ? ” he cried, scarcely able to 
utter these words. 

Altenberg shrugged his shoul- 
ders. 

“ A duel, as you see, Herr Baron. 
Your presence surprises me, though 
I might almost have anticipated it.” 

“ My nephew is wounded ! ” ex- 
claimed Elka. “You have wound- 
ed him. I thought you would 
have more regard for the hospitality 
I have shown you.” 

“ Herr Baron, I am not accus- 
tomed to listen to reproaches,” re- 
plied Altenberg angrily. 

A gentleman called Elka to the 
wounded man, whose life was 
thought to be in danger. 

Elka rushed to his nephew. 

The commissary intentionally 
remained in the captain’s vicinity. 
He did not yet know what he 
ought to do. The situation had 
become too serious for him to feel 
justified in non-interference. One 
of the gentlemen standing near the 
wounded man approached Alten- 
berg with an excited look. He 
seemed to be Arthur’s second. 

“ Herr Capt. von Altenberg,” 
said he in a trembling voice, “ your 
conduct during this duel has been 
very remarkable : I hardly think it 
can be reconciled with ideas of 
honor.” 

Altenberg started. 


“ I do not understand you ! ” he 
cried. 

“ Then I will speak more plainly. 
I cannot connect your conduct 
with the ideas of honor which I 
entertain.” 

“ Ah ! you wish to insult me,” 
exclaimed Altenberg. “ You de- 
mand satisfaction. I am ready to 
give it to you, if you will follow 
me ; for I shall leave the city to- 
day.” 

“You will not leave the city,” 
said Green, stepping before the cap- 
tain, and looking him firmly in the 
eye. 

With a scornful glance, Alten- 
berg measured him from head to 
foot. 

“ Who are you ? ” he inquired 
haughtily. 

“ The police-commissary Green,” 
was the quiet answer. 

“ Ah ! the baron is very cau- 
tious,” observed Altenberg mock- 
ingly. “ But I am a military man, 
and not answerable to the police.” 

“ You will obey me,” replied 
Green. 

Brender had scarcely heard 
Green’s words, when he prudently 
attempted to withdraw. 

“ Stop, Herr Brender ! ” cried 
Green. “ I must request you, also, 
to remain here.” 

Brender stood still, and tried to 
look at ease. 

“ My servant has had nothing to 
do with the duel,” interposed Al- 
tenberg. “ I pray you to leave him 
unmolested.” 

The commissary did not listen 
to these words. He approached 
Brender, who was pressing his 


62 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


lips firmly together : his face was 
pale. 

“ Herr Brender, you are my pris- 
oner,” said Green, smiling. 

“ I know not who you are,” 
cried Brender, concealing his anx- 
iety under a bold tone. “ A secre- 
tary can lay no commands upon 
me.” 

“ Very true ; but this time it is 
a commissary of the criminal police 
who lays the command upon you.” 

“ And why am I to be arrested ? ” 
asked Brender. 

“ I pray you to leave my servant 
unmolested,” cried Altenberg, com- 
ing towards them. 

“ Why, Herr Brender ? ” con- 
tinued Green quietly. “ In order 
that you may mate statements con- 
cerning certain bills which you 
have issued.” 

Brender started back as if struck 
by lightning. His face was distort- 
ed, his eyes glowed. What he had 
feared had happened : he was out- 
witted and detected. 

He quickly drew a revolver from 
his pocket. 

“ Go to the devil, then ! ” he 
cried, aiming at Green. 

Not one of his movements had 
escaped the commissary. He sprang 
aside quickly, and struck Brender’s 
arm a blow, with a short-sword. 
The shot echoed through the wood, 
the ball lodged in a tree ; Brender’s 
arm sank powerless ; the revolver 
fell ftora his hand. 

They could hear the criminal 
gnashing his teeth in bitterness 
as he saw his design frustrated. 
Without a moment’s delay, he 
rushed into the woods, trying to save 


himself by flight. The commissary 
did not follow him, but gave a 
piercing whistle. Instantly the two 
officers rushed towards the fugitive. 
The next minute, Brender was in 
their power. 

“ Bind him hand and foot ! No 
forbearance with the criminal ! ” 
cried Green. 

Brender tried to resist, but in 
vain. He was thrown down, and 
fettered. 

His eye was fixed on Green with 
burning hatred. 

“We will talk another time,” 
said he, gnashing his teeth in im- 
potent rage. 

“Later, my friend, later,” an- 
swered the commissary, with a 
quiet smile. “ Counterfeiting, and 
an attempt to commit murder, will 
give a fine number of years in the 
penitentiary. When these have 
passed, I am at your service.” 

Brender was silent, and averted 
his eyes, because he could not en- 
dure the sight of the man who had 
decided his fate. 

The shot had attracted the atten- 
tion of those who were busied 
about Arthur. Even the. baron 
hastened to the place whence it 
proceeded. 

“ What has happened ? ” he 
asked. 

“ Herr von Altenberg’s servant 
has been making an unsuccessful 
attempt to murder me,” replied the 
commissary, with a sharp glance at 
the captain. “ I had him arrested 
on account of a crime.” 

“ What has he done ? ” asked 
Altenberg defiantly, almost impe- 
riously. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


"63 


“ The examination will bring that 
out in detail, Herr Captain,” re- 
plied Green, indignant at the de- 
fiant tone. 44 It is to be hoped you 
had no knowledge of the fact that 
your servant was circulating coun- 
terfeit bills. Perhaps he has still 
more of these papers in his posses- 
sion: therefore I must attach his 
things, as well as yours, which he 
packed during the past night.” 

“ Herr Baron, I seem to have 
been watched by the police in your 
house.” 

4 4 Only your servant,” said Green. 

The general consternation was 
increased by this incident. 

Green now approached Arthur, 
who lay unconscious. The ball had 
entered his breast ; and the physi- 
cian was trying to find and draw it 
out with a probe. His grave face 
betrayed plainly enough his anxiety 
respecting Arthur’s life. 

44 Have you any hope ? ” asked 
Green, bending low as he spoke. 

44 Scarcely,” was the brief an- 
swer. 

The captain stood at a short dis- 
tance, in animated conversation 
with the baron. 

The commissary now learned the 
particulars as to the duel. 

Arthur had had the first shot ; 
had fired quickly, — almost without 
taking aim, — and missed. Quietly, 
with a scornful smile, had the cap- 
tain advanced to the utmost limit 
allowed; twice had he raised his 
pistol ; and then, at a distance of 
about ten paces, had taken aim and 
fired, as composedly as if- he had 
been shooting at a target. 

His whole conduct, his deliberate 


composure, called forth all the great- 
er indignation because it was well 
known that he was more than ten 
times superior to Arthur in shoot- 
ing. His shot gave the impression 
of intentional murder. 

At Green’s command, the baron’s 
carriage was sent for in order to 
convey the still unconscious Arthur 
to the city. 

The baron, who was very anx- 
ious about Arthur, gave directions 
that he should be taken to his 
house : he then drew Green aside. 

44 Herr Commissary,” said he , 44 is 
it possible for the captain to leave 
the city to-day ? I desire it on his 
father’s account ; and I, also, might 
thus be spared much that would be 
disagreeable. I "hope the life of 
my nephew will not be endangered, 
and that it will lie in our power to 
keep the duel secret.” 

Green shrugged his shoulders 
doubtfully. 

44 My power does not extend so 
far,” he replied. 44 Herr Baron, 
when my position prescribes defi- 
nite duties to me, I dare not have 
regard to any thing that interferes 
with them. Perhaps it will be 
possible for the chief of police to 
grant your request : I cannot.” 

Elka seemed to be unpleasantly 
affected by these words. 

44 Does it conflict with your duty 
to avoid, at present, all publicity 
in the arrest of the captain and his 
servant ? ” he inquired. 

44 Not at all, if the captain will 
submit to my orders. I will ac- 
company them both to the police- 
office, in the captain’s carriage : 
then my responsibility is at an end. 


64 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


But you must permit me to set a 
guard over the captain’s room, until 
I have examined it.” 

“Act in accordance with your 
duty, so far as my house is con- 
cerned,” replied Elka. “I only 
beg you to inform the chief of 
police that I shall come to him as 
soon as I have conducted my 
nephew to my house in safety.” 

A few minutes afterwards, the 
two carriages passed through the 
woods, on their way to the city. 
In the first sat the captain, Brender, 
and the commissary. Altenberg 
looked out from the carriage, and 
softly whistled an opera air ; while 
Brender closed his eyes, that he 
might not see the commissary, the 
man he hated. 

The carriage in which the wound- 
ed man lay followed slowly. 

Alice sat by Arthur’s bed. At 
the baron’s command, he had been 
placed in the same room he had 
occupied for weeks. The physician 
had examined the wound once 
more, and drawn the ball from his 
breast. Arthur had known noth- 
ing of all this ; for his conscious- 
ness had not yet returned. 

When Arthur was brought into 
the house, the baroness was not 
present. Anxiety concerning the 
captain had driven Elka to the 
police-office ; for he dared not de- 
lay, if he would effect any thing 
in Altenberg’s favor. The physi- 
cian had given the care of Arthur 
into George’s hands, and enjoined 
upon him to pay the greatest atten- 
tion to the wounded man, and to 
keep him perfectly quiet. But no 


sooner did Alice learn the fate of 
her lover, than she hastened to him, 
and, almost by force, took the care 
of him from George. 

She sat by the bed, motionless, 
listening anxiously to every breath 
of her lover. Her cheeks were 
pale, but she shed not a tear ; for 
she felt that this hour of fear and 
danger was not the time to give free 
vent to her grief. Arthur’s condi- 
tion claimed all her strength and 
attention. 

She herself, following the physi- 
cian’s directions, laid the wet cloths 
on Arthur’s breast. She bent down , 
and softly kissed the hand, in which 
there was but a feeble pulsation of 
life. How pale was his face ! If 
he should never again open the eyes 
that had often looked so lovingly 
upon her, in which her whole hap- 
piness dwelt ! Untold anguish seized 
her. She wished to call for help ; 
but she scarcely dared to breathe, 
for the quiet, feeble respiration of 
the sick man deceived her : she 
thought he was sleeping. She 
pressed both hands upon her heart 
in order to still its throbbing by 
force ; for no sound must disturb 
the sleeper. 

It was no longer a secret in the 
villa, that Arthur had been wound- 
ed in a duel with the captain. Alice 
knew it also. She doubted not 
that she had been the cause of the 
duel. She suspected that it was 
only an act of revenge because she 
had rejected Altenberg’s love : she 
therefore blamed herself for Ar- 
thur’s wound, and yet she could not 
have acted otherwise. She would 
have preferred death to the fate of 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


65 


being compelled to live by Alten- 
berg’s side. 

While her eye rested upon Ar- 
thur’s face, the color came more 
and more into his cheeks. She 
thought, at first, this was a sign of 
returning vitality ; but all too soon 
was she aware that this flush was 
owing to the fever that had set in, 
in consequence of his wound : it 
increased from moment to moment. 
Arthur opened his eyes ; and Alice, 
in great joy,. called him by name. 
He looked at her fixedly, but did 
not recognize her. He did not feel 
the pressure of her hand. 

44 Do not tell Alice that he wished 
to kill me, ” he cried. 44 How 
slowly he raises the pistol ! how he 
takes aim ! The villain means to 
kill me ! Stop, this is no honor- 
able combat ! Ha, ha ! yet he will 
not gain Alice’s heart ; for she loves 
me, — me ! ” 

He tried to spring out of bed ; 
but Alice held him back forcibly. 
Her heart trembled with joy, be- 
cause, even in his feverish dreams, 
his thoughts were fixed upon her ; 
and yet she was filled with un- 
speakable anguish. 

At this moment her mother en- 
tered the room. She had learned 
every thing from George. Deeply 
affected, she hastened to Arthur’s 
bedside, and met his fixed gaze. 
“ There he is, there he is ! ” he 
cried in a loud tone, bending back 
as he spoke. 44 Snatch the pistol 
from him ! ” 

Again he tried to spring from the 
bed. The baroness called the ser- 
vant to assist them, and tried to 
remove Alice from the room. 


44 No ! ” said the maiden decid- 
edly, though her voice trembled. 
44 1 remain here. Arthur is my be- 
trothed : I have given my heart to 
him ; and now, least of all, can I 
leave him.” 

The baroness was but little sur- 
prised ; for she had suspected that 
the hearts of these two were already 
united. But how did Arthur come 
hither ? Why was he in the city, 
when he had just left it ? These 
questions rushed through her mind ; 
but this was not the time to make 
inquiries, for her whole endeavors 
were directed to removing Alice 
from the room. 

The girl refused to leave in the 
most positive manner : she mani- 
fested a firmness of will, that her 
own mother had never noticed be- 
fore. 

Stern experience of life had sud- 
denly approached her in all its rug- 
gedness, and had rapidly brought 
her to a state of maturity which she 
might not otherwise have attained 
for years. This phenomenon occurs 
far more frequently in the life of 
young girls than in that of young 
men. 

The feverish fancies of the sick 
man became still wilder and more 
violent. When the baroness saw 
that all her efforts to remove Alice 
were in vain, and that she would 
suffer ten times as much if she were 
separated from her lover, she her- 
self left the room, and retired to her 
own apartment, because she could 
not endure the sick man’s wild, 
fixed gaze. 

She threw herself into a chair, 
exhausted. She had learned from 


5 


66 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


George that Arthur had been 
wounded by the captain in a 
duel ; but she knew nothing more. 
Where was her husband? Why 
had he left the house when Arthur 
still needed his assistance ? 

She had not understood Elka 
of late. A certain uneasiness was 
perceptible in his manner, which 
was utterly foreign to him, and 
which he had vainly tried to con- 
ceal. She knew him only as the 
skilful diplomatist, who, even in 
the most disagreeable situations, 
was wont to wear a quiet smile, 
which did not in the least betray 
to others what was passing in his 
mind. 

She had not wished to question 
him, because she was convinced 
that he would give her all the 
information she need have. But 
she could hardly endure any longer 
the uneasiness which took posses- 
sion of her. It was not anxiety 
about his property that disturbed 
and oppressed him ; for she knew, 
that, in this respect, he was very 
sanguine. His disquietude could 
not have arisen from the fact that 
Alice had not listened to Alten- 
berg’s suit ; for, however much 
he desired the alliance, it had not 
escaped her attention that he by 
no means liked the captain, and 
was only moved by outside con- 
siderations to treat him with po- 
liteness. She knew, also, that his 
ambition was excited ; that he 
hoped to be called into the min- 
istry through the influence of 
Altenberg’s father. Could he not 
attain this object in any other 
way? might not his unusual ca- 


pability lead him to the desired 
position ? 

His depression must be owing to 
some very different cause. With 
sudden resolution she rose and went 
to her husband’s room. From him- 
self would she demand information 
as to the doubts and questions that 
tormented her. 

She paused on the threshold, in 
surprise, as she saw her husband 
sitting motionless, with his face 
covered with both hands. She 
quietly approached him. He heard 
not her step as it fell upon the soft 
carpet. For a moment, she stood 
by the side of her husband, who 
was not yet conscious of her pres- 
ence. Then she gently laid her 
hand upon his shoulder. 

Elka started, and sprang up. 
He seemed to be alarmed at the 
sight of his wife. 

“ Oscar, what is the matter ? ” 
asked the baroness. 

Elka passed his hand over his 
brow, and exerted himself to the 
utmost to regain his composure. 

“ Nothing, nothing,” he replied 
evasively, half-absently ; but it was 
no longer possible to deceive her. 

“ Oscar, does your face tell the 
truth, or your lips ? ” said the bar- 
oness gently, seizing her husband’s 
hand. The hand was cold. “ I 
have come here to ask what has 
troubled and oppressed you for 
the last few days. Those who 
have been united as long as we 
learn to read each other’s eyes, 
even if those eyes try to betray 
nothing. Events have taken place 
here that are still incomprehensible 
to me.” 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


67 


Elka sighed deeply. 

“ They are incomprehensible 
even to me,” said he. “ They 
are still a mystery to me ; but 
I already feel the grievous con- 
sequences resulting from them. 
Too much has come upon me in 
these last days. What I had la- 
boriously erected — that on which 
all my hopes were set — is shat- 
tered, destroyed.” 

The baroness was silent. Then, 
without being questioned further, 
he informed her of the mysterious 
loss of the despatches. 

“ I do not yet know who has 
stolen them. I cannot even throw 
suspicion upon any one,” he con- 
tinued. “ Every thing, for me, de- 
pends upon these despatches. I 
tried to comfort myself with the 
hope that no use would be made 
of them. Oh ! this hope even has 
been disappointed. The contents 
are already published in a foreign 
paper ; my government is thereby 
exposed ; I myself — Here, here, 
is a letter from the Minister von 
Altenberg, in which he makes in- 
quiries respecting the despatches. 
He asserts that here alone could 
their contents have been known : 
moreover, that newspaper article 
was dated here. He adds, that he 
expects a satisfactory explanation 
from me, all the more because 
he particularly enjoined upon me 
the importance of the despatches. 
What answer am I to make to 
him ? Can I deny that the de- 
spatches have been stolen from 
me ? Can the government deny 
their existence, since there is rea- 
son to fear that the entire con- 


tents may be published? I see 
no possibility of rescue.” 

He threw himself into his chair 
in great agitation. 

“ The despatches were stolen 
from your casket ? ” inquired the 
baroness. 

Elka nodded in assent. Every 
word cost him an effort. 

“ The key has not been out of 
my hands : the lock is uninjured. 
I myself have locked the door of 
my room. The theft has been re- 
peated. Invisible hands have ac- 
complished the deed. I stand in 
the presence of a mystery which 
excites me all the more because 
I no longer feel safe in my own 
apartment. And to fill the meas- 
ure of my anxiety comes this 
duel, which will probably cost 
Arthur his life. I have made 
every effort to procure Alten- 
berg’s release, and to extort from 
the chief of police a promise to 
keep the duel secret. I did it 
for his father’s sake ; for I should 
not interest myself for the cap- 
tain ; and, after I have succeeded 
in doing all this, the minister’s 
letter comes upon me, reproach- 
ing me with bitter words. Leo- 
nore, I fear a sad future is before 
me.” 

The baroness understood the 
painful position of her husband; 
but still she tried to comfort him. 

“ Oscar, do you not take too dark 
a view of the circumstances ? ” said 
she. “ I am not used to seeing you 
lose your courage, and am con- 
vinced, that, even now, you will 
find some way of escape.” 

Elka shook his head. 


68 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


“‘There is no way of escape for 
me if I have any regard for my 
honor,” he replied. “ I knew the 
importance of the despatches : they 
were intrusted to me ; I must be 
answerable for them. I shall myself 
request the minister to release me 
from my post. With that my career 
ends : I know it. I have sacrificed 
every thing to it, — my property 
and my powers. I have been a 
fool to venture upon a path where 
every thing may be destroyed by a 
single undeserved mischance. My 
dream is over.” 

In vain did the baroness attempt 
to cheer him. 

“ Forbear, forbear ! ” he cried. 
“ I could endure it more easily if 
you were not compelled to suffer 
with me. Leave me alone ; attend 
to Arthur. I am not calm enough 
to busy myself about him ; but let 
it be your care to preserve his 
life.” 

“ He is in the hands of one who 
will take the best care of him. 
Alice is with him.” 

Elka did not seem surprised at 
this information. 

“ Let her stay,” said he. “ I fear 
that Arthur will be her only refuge ; 
for I can do little more for her. 
My wish that she should marry the 
captain is overthrown : Altenberg 
himself has made it an impossibility. 
I received him in my house as a 
guest ; I procured his release ; and 
still we parted as enemies. I should 
now be opposed to him, even if 
Alice were ready to give him her 
hand. Leave me alone, Leonore. 
I need rest : perhaps I shall succeed 
in recovering myself.” 


The baroness silently pressed his 
hand, and left the room. 

Once more Elka took the minis- 
ter’s letter, and read it through 
attentively. Bitter reproach and 
censure were expressed in the very 
manner of inquiry. This pained 
him all the more keenly because it 
was the first time he • had given 
occasion for such a tone. One thing 
more he saw in the letter : Alten- 
berg had not been so kindly and 
favorably disposed towards him as 
he had believed him to be ; other- 
wise, his skilful pen would have 
employed words which would be 
less offensive. It seemed to be his 
intention to wound the baron’s 
feelings. 

Could the captain have informed 
him already of his unsuccessful en- 
deavor to win Alice? Then the 
letter was more hateful still. One 
thing was clear to Elka : his honor 
would not allow him to suffer such 
reproach, even if there were any 
ground for it. It might have been 
expressed in a dozen other ways. 
He was resolved to apply for dis- 
missal from his post as ambassador. 
He would not give the minister the 
satisfaction of recalling him. Only 
as to the way in which he should 
take this important step was he 
still in doubt. He could not deny 
that the reproach and censure were 
founded on fact: the despatches 
had been stolen from him, and made 
public. 

Again he read the article which 
the minister had enclosed. It was 
beyond question that the writer 
had really gained his knowledge 
from the despatches : he even chal 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


69 


lenged the government to deny the 
facts, if it could do so. It could not. 

This article could not fail to at- 
tract attention ; and the entire free- 
thinking press would gain possession 
of it. The government would be 
forced to impose silence upon its 
own organs, because it could not 
fight against facts. Altenberg 
would .be exposed in the worst 
manner; for the despatches had 
proceeded from him. 

Elka paced up and down his 
room, feeling utterly helpless. The 
commissary entered. 

“ Truly, Herr Commissary, your 
efforts are fruitless,” cried Elka 
excitedly. “ The despatches that 
were stolen from me have already 
been made public. It was all im- 
portant for me to prevent this ; but 
it is now too late, and the conse- 
quences cannot be averted.” 

Green shrugged his shoulders. 
“ I am conscious that I have spared 
no exertion,” he replied. “ In my 
long experience as a police-officer, 
a case has never come before me, in 
which, after uninterrupted investi- 
gation for days, I have been unable 
to discover the slightest clew. I 
am forced to confess that I stand 
just where I did the first day.” 

“ I will not reproach you ; for I 
know that you have done your 
whole duty,” observed Elka. 

“ And where were the despatches 
made public ? ” asked the commis- 
sary. 

“ In a foreign newspaper, in an 
article that was dated here.” 

“ That does not prove that it 
really came from here,” said Green. 
“ Many newspapers employ the 


artifice of dating their correspond- 
ence and articles from other places, 
when it is for their interest to con- 
ceal the source from which their 
information is drawn. In this case, 
could there be but one source ? ” 

“ One only. Besides myself, 
Minister von Altenberg alone pos- 
sesses a copy of the despatches,” 
was the baron’s answer. 

“ Still there is a second source,” 
said Green with a smile. “ You 
mentioned, this morning, that a 
fresh attempt to open the casket had 
been made during the past night. 

“ Undoubtedly ; for the wax in 
the key is pressed together.” 

“ May I ask you for the key ? ” 
said Green. 

Elka handed it to him. 

The commissary subjected the 
key to the most careful scrutiny, and 
then examined the lock also. A 
satisfied smile passed over his face. 

“ Now we have, at least, the cer- 
tainty that the casket was opened 
with this key, as I suspected from 
the first,” said he. “ The wax in 
the key b pressed together, and a 
small piece is left sticking in the 
lock. This discovery must neces- 
sarily lead us further. Where did 
you keep the key last night ? ” 

“ Under my pillow, as usual. I 
retired late, and, up to that moment, 
wore the key on my watch-chain.” 

“ Was the door of this room 
locked ? ” continued Green. 

“ I bolted it myself. That second 
door leads into my sleeping-room.” 

“ Might not some one have 
passed through that ? ” * 

“ Impossible ; for the door of that 
room was bolted also.” 


70 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


“ Herr Baron, I need not remind 
you that my duty requires me to 
be discreet, and that certain secrets 
remain forever locked in my breast. 
My employment as a police-com- 
missary gives me a deep insight 
into many family matters; but never 
will any one hear a word from my 
lips concerning them.” 

The baron looked at him in as- 
tonishment. 

“ Herr Commissary, I do not un- 
derstand you, and cannot guess the 
purport of your words.” 

Green seemed undecided for an 
instant whether he should make 
any further inquiry ; for he knew 
that the baron must understand 
him. But he had bestowed too much 
thought upon this matter to drop it 
on account of any scruples. 

“ Herr Baron,” said he with a 
smile, “ has your wife’s maid never 
been in your sleeping-room at 
night ? ” 

The flush which instantly over- 
spread Elka’s face betrayed to the 
commissary that he had touched 
upon an unpleasant subject. 

“ Herr Commissary, why do you 
ask this question ? ” he indignantly 
exclaimed. 

Green shrugged his shoulders 
slightly. “I am suspicious of this 
lady. Would it be impossible for 
her to take the key from you, when 
you are asleep, and open the casket ? 
She is sly ; and I think we may give 
her credit for such a deed.” 

“ That may be ; but still I do not 
understand your question,” ob- 
served Elka. 

“ Well, Herr Baron, if I have 
committed an error in speaking of 


my supposition, I beg your pardon, 
and pray you to release me from 
the duty of searching for the thief. 
I can only accomplish my task by 
meeting with perfect frankness. 
That I should in no wise abuse it, 
you might assume with confidence. 
But the question I addressed to 
you was not without justification ; 
for I chanced to witness a meeting 
that you had with the young lady 
in the summer-house.” 

He bowed, and was about to leave 
the room. 

Elka was startled at these last 
words ; and again a flush passed 
over his face. His embarrassment 
did not suffer him to speak. But, 
before Green had left the room, he 
cried, “ Stay, Herr Commissary, I 
implore you.” 

Green staid. 

Elka walked up and down the 
room a few times, until he had re- 
gained his composure. 

“ Herr Commissary, I rely upon 
your silence,” he then said. “ For 
the rest, I can assure you that the 
maid has never been in my room at 
night. Why do you suspect her ? ” 

“ She had also entered into a love- 
affair with the captain’s servant ; 
and her connection with that dan- 
gerous man caused me to suspect 
the worst.” 

The baron bit his lips. 

“ Have you convinced yourself 
of this also ? ” he asked, with a 
touch of scorn in his voice. 

“ Of this also,” assented Green. 
“I had double reason to watch 
the servant carefully ; and so I be- 
came a witness to a love-scene with 
the maid. He even gave her a 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


71 


ring, which he had bought the same 
evening in order to change his 
counterfeit bills. He tried to per- 
suade the girl to flee with him, 
and pictured the life that she would 
lead with him in such alluring col- 
ors, that I was forced to smile in- 
voluntarily. ” 

Elka had pressed his lips to- 
gether firmly. This information 
seemed to affect him very unpleas- 
antly ; and still he did not wish to 
betray that he felt it. 

44 And what did she reply ? ” he 
finally asked. 

44 She seemed to have no real 
faith in the man’s words ; and I 
also am convinced that his intentions 
were not honorable. Perhaps he 
only intended to gain her entire 
confidence in order the more easily 
to sound her on various points.” 

“ On what, do you think ? ” broke 
in Elka. 

44 That is hard to decide ; for 
who can guess the designs of such 
a crafty criminal? Might he not 
have some new crime in view ? 
Perhaps his intention was merely 
to make use of the maid to nego- 
tiate his counterfeit bills.” 

44 Is it, then, positively proved 
that he has circulated counterfeit 
money ? ” asked the baron. 

44 It is proved. ' I saw him myself 
on several occasions. I watched 
him, and followed him, in disguise, 
because he seemed a suspicious 
character to me. He asserted that 
he was here for the first time ; 
and yet he betrayed remarkable 
familiarity with the city. I have 
not yet succeeded in establish- 
ing his personality ; for, that 


Brender is not his true name, 
we may assume with certainty. 
He may be a dangerous criminal, 
who has reason to fear the police ; 
and only entered the captain’s ser- 
vice in order to come here without 
attracting notice, and to remove 
all suspicion from himself.” 

“ The captain praised his extraor- 
dinary skill and usefulness. He 
asserted that he had never had so 
capable a servant.” 

The commissary smiled. 

44 That is easily explained. The 
greatest criminals are, for the most 
part, very skilful persons. The 
business is now made so difficult for 
criminals, that blockheads can no 
longer prosper in it. They gene- 
rally fall into our hands at the first 
attempt. I have never yet met a 
stupid counterfeiter ; and the hand 
that manufactured the bills which 
Brender circulated is surely very 
skilful*.” 

44 Do you think that he did it 
himself ? ” 

44 1 do, though I have no strong 
ground for the suspicion.” 

44 Have you already examined 
his things, and the captain’s ? ” 

44 Yes, indeed ! ” 

44 And what was the result ? ” 

A shade of indignation flitted 
over the commissary’s face. 

44 A very small one,” he replied. 
44 1 found nothing that would serve 
in any respect as proof against the 
man ; though I have searched his 
things with a care and minuteness 
that another would hardly have 
bestowed upon them. The worst 
article of clothing I subjected to 
the most critical examination ; 


72 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


searched every object, and every 
corner of the room, and found 
nothing suspicious. I am afraid I 
have arrested the man too soon.” 

“ You think you will not be able 
to prove the crime of which he is 
guilty ? ” observed the baron. 

Green shook his head. 

“ I do not mean that for the 
proof already exists. But as I 
have found nothing among his 
things, not even money ; as Bren- 
der had but a small sum with him 
at the time of his arrest ; especially 
as I miss the pocket-book in which 
he had the counterfeit bills, — it is 
evident that he has either concealed 
in a safe place, or committed to the 
hands of an afccomplice, every 
thing that can serve as proof 
against him, as well as the money 
which he received in exchange for 
the counterfeit bills. That he has 
accomplices, is beyond doubt ; for 
I myself saw him exchange # a few 
hurried words with one of them. 
I. shall search this man’s house, 
though I hardly think a crafty man, 
like Brender, would intrust large 
sums of money to another. Neither 
is it to be supposed that he had 
brought but few of the counterfeit 
bills here ; for the opportunity to 
exchange them was too favorable; 
It was my intention not to arrest 
him until he was ready for his jour- 
ney, and just entering the railway 
carriage ; for then I might hope 
that he would carry every thing 
with him : this was prevented by 
the duel.” 

“ He will never confess where 
he has hidden the money, I pre- 
sume,” remarked Elka. 


“ Certainly not ; for then he 
would be sure to lose it,” an- 
swered Green. “Your interces- 
sion with the chief of police has 
set the captain at liberty,” he 
added with a bitter smile. “ I 
think a few weeks’ imprisonment 
would not have hurt the gentle- 
man.” 

The baron touched upon this 
subject reluctantly. 

“Regard for his father com- 
pelled me to take this course,” 
he answered shortly. He was 
vexed at the moment that he 
had shown this regard ; for nei- 
ther the captain nor his father 
had thanked him for it. 

“ Herr Baron,” continued Green, 
“ my sojourn in your house has now 
become useless, and would effect 
nothing, because it is no longer a 
secret that I am a police-officer. 
If I should remain here, the one 
who stole the despatches from you 
would be doubly on his guard, and 
would hardly make another attempt 
to open the casket. The repeated 
opening of it shows a degree of au- 
dacity which is incomprehensible 
to me. My residence here, thus 
far, is explained by Brender’s ar- 
rest ; and I should be glad if you 
would mention, in the presence of 
your servants, that I have only 
been here on his account. One 
way only remains for me to dis- 
cover the thief, who is doubtless 
one of the occupants of this house. 

“ What is that ? ” interrupted 
Elka impatiently. 

“ I will spend a succession of 
nights in this room, without al- 
1 lowing any one but yourself to 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


73 


suspect my presence. Perhaps the 
mysterious criminal will make one 
more attempt.” 

“ How will it be possible for you 
to do this without the knowledge 
of my servant ? ” broke in Elka. 

“ I shall choose the way of which 
thieves alone usually avail them- 
selves, but of which the police 
also can make use. I shall enter 
secretly, through the window, in 
the evening. I only ask you to 
leave this window unlocked. I 
have reflected upon this expedi- 
ent, and examined the difficulties 
attending it. They are not great. 
By a slight exertion, one can reach 
the balcony ; and from that there 
are only two more steps.” 

“ Are you not afraid of falling ? ” 

“ Have no fears. I have under- 
taken more dangerous journeys, and 
was a skilful gymnast in my youth. 
I shall leave your house to-day, and 
I already know how to reach your 
park unseen by climbing over the 
wall.” 

“ Do you think you will suc- 
ceed in discovering the thief in 
this way ? ” asked Elka. 

“ I should not like to leave this 
means untried, at least. The case 
is so mysterious and peculiar, that it 
is of great importance to ourselves 
to solve the mystery ; not to men- 
tion that my duty urges me on.” 

“ You know that I have sub- 
mitted to all your arrangements, 
and will gladly do so now also ; 
for I have the greatest confidence 
in you. Permit me to ask you one 
more question. Will it be neces- 
sary for you to examine my wife’s 
maid ? ” 


Green understood the anxiety 
which prompted this question. 

“I hardly think so,” he an- 
swered. “ Should it be neces- 
sary, I need not assure you that 
it will be done with the greatest 
discretion. I hope you will never 
have reason to find fault with me.” 

“ I am convinced of that, Herr 
Commissary,” said Elka, “and be 
assured, also, that I will prove my 
gratitude for your exertions, no 
matter whether they lead to the 
object in view, or not.” 

Capt. von Altenberg left the 
city on the day of the duel. 
Elka received a few hurried lines 
from him, in which he requested 
that his things might be sent after 
him, when they had been examined 
by the police. The baron threw the 
letter down indignantly. Scarcely 
a word of thanks for the hospitality 
he had received did the captain add. 
He did not even trouble himself to 
say farewell to the baroness and her 
daughter. 

Almost at the same time, a letter 
came from Minister von Altenberg, 
urgently demanding an explana- 
tion. The despatch that had been 
published excited great attention, 
and was sharply criticised by the 
free-thinking press. 

Altenberg wrote briefly, in a tone 
of unmistakable irritation, and used 
this sharp expression : that he de- 
sired an explanation as to who was 
chargeable with the gross violation 
of duty, by which alone the de- 
spatch could have found its way 
to the public. 

These words wounded Elka all 


74 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


the more deeply, because he was 
unconscious of any violation of 
duty ; and yet he saw no possi- 
bility of clearing himself. He re- 
solved, that, in answering Alten- 
berg’s letter, he would at the same 
time make application to be re- 
leased from his post, since he 
deemed his honor insulted. That 
he was compelled to take this 
course afflicted him more deeply 
than his anxiety for the future ; 
though that weighed heavily upon 
him. He realized, that, in retiring 
from his position as ambassador, he 
was bidding farewell to his public 
career. After this experience with 
the captain, he could never hope 
to renew the friendly relations with 
Altenberg ; for he was vefy sensi- 
tive, and placed his interests far 
before those of the state. 

This, then, was the end of his 
ambitious plans, for which he had 
sacrificed so much, — retiring to 
private life with the residue of his 
fortune, which would barely suffice 
to support him, and must place 
many restrictions upon him. He 
was resolved to bear these things 
without murmuring : there were 
even times when he longed for rest. 
But could he expect that his wife 
would part, with the same ease and 
composure, from a life that had 
brought her so many joys and pleas- 
ures? 

He thought of Alice also. What 
could he do to make her future 
secure? She loved Arthur. He 
was convinced that she would be 
happy with him ; but if he should 
now sink under his wound, if this 
hope also, almost his last, should be 


destroyed — He tried to drive these 
thoughts away by 'force. 

He left the room hurriedly, and 
went to the one in which Arthur 
lay. 

The physician met him in the 
anteroom. Elka grasped his hand. 

“ How is your patient ? ” he 
asked, in a voice trembling with 
agitation. 

The physician’s face looked very 
doubtful. 

“ I hope his youthful, vigorous 
constitution will overcome the dan- 
ger.” 

“ Herr Doctor, have you only 
a hope ? can you give me no cer- 
tainty?” cried Elka. “ You are 
one of the most able men in your 
profession. Does not your knowl- 
edge even extend so far that you 
can accurately discern the bounds 
of life and death ? ” 

The physician shrugged his shoul- 
ders. 

“ We can do nothing, if Nature 
leaves us in the lurch. All our 
efforts can only be directed to this, — 
to remove every thing that might 
prevent the activity of the natural 
forces. He who maintains that he 
can do more than this stands no 
longer upon the foundation of 
knowledge. I can pronounce no 
positive opinion until the fever that 
has seized the patient subsides.” 

“ And when, when, will that 
time come ? ” asked Elka. 

“ Even that I cannot decide. The 
violence with which it has set in 
leads me to suppose that it will be 
of short duration. Vigorous con- 
stitutions usually pass more rapid- 
ly through such fevers; but the 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


75 


danger is certainly increased there- 
by.” 

“Has all the care been taken 
that is in any way required ? ” 
asked Elka. 

“ The patient has the best care. 
Every thing has been done to secure 
quiet for him.” 

“ Is my daughter still with 
him?” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Do you not think her presence 
will agitate him when he recovers 
his consciousness ? ” 

A smile stole over the physician’s 
face. 

“ There are kinds of agitation 
that are more beneficial to a sick 
man than any other remedy : such 
is the tumult of joy, that makes the 
blood circulate more swiftly, but at 
the same time brings calmness and 
satisfaction to the mind. I do not 
think the patient could be intrusted 
to better hands.” 

Elka went into Arthur’s room. 
Alice was still sitting by his bed. 
She did not hear her father enter, 
and he stood motionless by the door. 

Alice’s beautiful profile was 
sharply drawn against the light that 
penetrated through the window. 
Her eyes were fixed upon her lover. 
Anxiety was written on her brow. 
Her hands clasped the right hand 
of the patient, which quivered in 
the restlessness of fever. 

Never had Elka been more struck 
by his daughter’s beauty than at 
this moment. Sorrow had trans- 
formed it. A calm, gentle expres- 
sion was on her face. Love for his 
child knocked powerfully at Elka’s 
heart. He had wished to sacrifice 


Alice for his interests, for his plans ; 
with unmistakable lightness had he 
thought of her happiness. Did hap- 
piness, then, consist in the splendor 
of outward circumstances alone ? 
Might not these be destroyed by a 
single heavy blow of fate? And 
what would then be left to her, 
even if she had hitherto benumbed 
her heart by wealth and splendor ? 
Never would she have found hap- 
piness by Altenberg’s side. 

He could not stifle the self-re- 
proaches that pressed upon him. 
Perhaps the bitter trials that had 
lately come upon him were only 
intended to show how vain was all 
that on which he had placed his 
hopes. 

A few hours before, he had 
begged his wife to leave him, in order 
that he might seek to recover him- 
self by rest. The peaceful look of 
his daughter ; her sorrow, and yet 
her happiness, in caring for her 
lover, — these helped the baron to 
recover himself. Without betray- 
ing his presence by a word, he 
quietly and cautiously left the room. 
He felt a firm confidence that 
Arthur would recover. 

He returned to his library. 
George approached him with evi- 
dent signs of confusion and embar- 
rassment. Elka was in a sympa- 
thetic mood. 

“ What is the matter? ” he asked. 

The servant stammered forth 
that he had a request to make. 

“ Speak freely,” continued Elka. 
“ I will do any thing in my power 
for you. You have served me faith- 
fully, and I have never before had an 
opportunity to acknowledge this.” 


76 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


George bashfully informed him, 
that he loved Marie the maid, and 
intended to marry her. 

Elka started involuntarily, and 
was obliged to summon all his self- 
control in order not to betray that 
he took a particular interest in the 
girl. 

“ George, have you given mature 
consideration to this step ? ” he in- 
quired. 

u s I have,” replied the servant. 
“ And, if I have been foolish, I 
could not act otherwise. I love 
the girl, and know that I cannot 
be happy without her.” 

“But have you also asked your- 
self whether you will be happy 
with Marie ? ” asked Elka. 

“ No : I would rather be unhappy 
with her than to live without 
her.” 

“ George, I cannot prevent you 
from carrying out your intention, 
nor would I do so ; but I must re- 
mind you that your characters are 
too dissimilar to allow any harmony 
to exist between them. And what 
is happiness but a spirit of har- 
mony with ourselves, and with 
those who are nearest to us ? ” 

George looked wonderingly at 
his master, whose words were be- 
yond his power of comprehension. 

“ I cannot give the girl up,” was 
all he said in reply. 

“ And is Marie ready to be 
yours ? ” continued Elka. “ Does 
she really love you ? ” 

“ Certainly she loves me,” ex- 
claimed the servant ; for, with all 
his inferiority of intellect, he still 
had such a good opinion of him- 
self and his superior powers, that 


he would have thought it incredi- 
ble that Marie should not love him. 
“ She has told me herself, that 
she did not wish always to be a 
servant-maid, and that she should 
be glad to have a home of her own 
before long. My lord, I cannot 
wrong her. I know no want here : 
nevertheless, I would not like to 
be a servant forever. Every one 
strives to make himself independ- 
ent.” 

“ So you wish to leave me ? ” 
said Elka. 

“ Not yet, not so soon,” answered 
George in confusion ; “ but when 
I am married, then ” — 

He did not finish the sentence. 

“ I do not reproach you for it,” 
continued Elka. “ It is possible 
that I may leave the city soon : a 
change would probably be made 
then. But what do you intend to 
do ? Have you already made plans 
for the future ? ” 

A confident smile passed over 
the servant’s face. 

“ Certainly, my lord. I have 
saved a little money, and Marie 
has also : with this, we intend to 
open a restaurant. I have thought 
of this for years, and hope I shall 
prosper in it. Marie, also, is pleased 
with the plan : and I think she will 
attract many guests; for she can 
be very agreeable.” 

The baron smiled involuntarily. 
George was speculating on his 
future wife’s powers of pleasing, 
without thinking of the danger 
that lay therein. 

“ George,” said Elka, “ I will 
not oppose your resolution. You 
are honest, and have served me 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


77 


faithfully : therefore I desire your 
happiness. But I wish to give you 
one piece of advice : seek to at- 
tract guests to your restaurant by 
your own affability and attention, 
and not by means of your future 
wife’s pleasing manners. You will 
do better to expose her to tempta- 
tion as little as possible.” 

“ Marie loves me,” interrupted 
George, feeling almost insulted. 

“ I believe you ; but she is fickle,” 
replied Elka. “ I desire that you 
may both be happy ; and I do not 
doubt that you will become a very 
excellent host. If I can in any 
way contribute to your ease in 
entering upon your future career, 
I will do it. Tell me your wishes 
frankly : I owe it to you, and to 
Marie also,” he added half aloud. 

The servant went away with the 
warmest thanks. 

Elka had had another plan for 
Marie in his head ; but, as she had 
voluntarily promised to become 
George’s wife, he resolved not to 
oppose her, and to repress his own 
wishes. He seated himself at his 
writing-desk to sketch the letter 
which he intended to address to 
the minister. The despatches were 
to be answered for; Altenberg’s 
insulting reproaches to be repelled 
in the most • decided way ; and at 
the same time he was to ask to be 
recalled from his post. He must 
also write a private letter to Alten- 
berg, telling him of the duel, and 
of the accident caused by his 
son. 

Now that he stood directly be- 
fore the decisive- step of his whole 
life, the greatest calmness had 


come upon him. His hand guided 
the pen as firmly as if he were 
writing a very indifferent business- 
notice. 

At about the same time, Green 
was in his room at the police-office. 
He felt exhausted after the excite- 
ment of the day ; but still one more 
task awaited him, which claimed 
his entire strength. He was to ex- 
amine Brender. He was unwilling 
to commit this difficult task to an- 
other, and was equally unwilling to 
defer it until the next day, as that 
would only give the crafty crimi- 
nal more time to think of falsehoods 
and evasions. 

He remained sitting quietly a 
short time, in order to recover him- 
self, and reflect upon the course he 
should adopt with Brender ; for he 
felt that this crafty man could not 
be treated like other criminals. 
Then he arose hastily, and directed 
a police-officer to lead the prisoner 
to him. Until he came, Green 
paced up and down the room. The 
air seemed sultry to him, and he 
opened the window. He was forced 
to smile at the uneasiness that had 
taken possession of him. 

At length Brender entered. His 
face was calm ; and a slight, half- 
scornful smile played around his 
mouth. He carried his right arm 
in a sling : it was the same arm that 
had raised the revolver against 
Green in the morning, and had been 
heavily struck by his sword. 

Green looked fixedly at him for 
a few seconds ; but he bore the gaze 
without the quivering of an eyelid. 
He no longer showed the hatred he 


78 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


had betrayed after his arrest in the 
morning*. 

“ Since we are acquainted,” be- 
gan Green, with a slight touch of 
pleasantry, “ I may be allowed to 
advise you to confess your guilt 
fully. It will be best for you, 
because you will thus win a claim 
to a milder sentence.” 

Brender preserved perfect com- 
posure: only his eyes seemed to 
become brighter. 

“I do not know wffiat guilt you 
mean,” lie replied. “ I do not at 
all deny, that, in my excitement 
this morning, I pointed a revolver 
at you.” 

“ Of course not ; because a denial 
would only make you ridiculous, 
since so many witnesses were pres- 
ent. And why did you draw the 
revolver ? ” 

Brender shrugged his shoulders. 

“ In order to kill me,” continued 
Green, “ to silence my lips forever, 
because you knew that I should 
appear as a witness of your crime.” 

“No one can prove that I had 
this intention,” said Brender. “ I 
sought to defend my freedom, and, 
in my excitement, seized upon this 
means.” 

“ Drop this subject ! That mat- 
ter requires no further discussion : 
it is, indeed, sufficiently establish- 
ed,” interrupted Green. “ In the 
first place, tell me your name.” 

“ You know it. already. My 
Christian name is Henry.” 

“ Brender is not your name,” said 
Green decidedly. “ Do not think 
you can deceive me so easily. The 
necessary steps have already been 
taken to determine your personal- 


ity ; and you only make your posi- 
tion worse by false statements.” 

“ Brender is my name : I have 
never borne another,” answered the 
prisoner. 

“ Have you brought any legiti- 
mation papers here?” continued 
the commissary. 

“No: I thought I should not 
need them while in the company 
of my master. Had I suspected 
that I should be arrested here, and 
that my word would not be be- 
lieved, I should certainly have done 
so.” 

“Well, this question will soon 
be explained. Where did you get 
the counterfeit bills that you have 
circulated here ? ” 

“ Counterfeit bills ? ” repeated 
Brender with signs of the greatest 
astonishment. “I do not under- 
stand you.” 

“ Brender, you will come out 
badly, if you go on in this way,” 
exclaimed Green. “ I am used to 
the attempt of criminals to deny 
their guilt; but they only do so 
when they promise themselves some 
success in the effort. I myself have 
watched you on three occasions 
when you were passing counterfeit 
bills. They are now in my hands. 
Do you still venture to deny the 
crime ? ” 

“ I know nothing about it,” re- 
plied Brender with perfect com- 
posure. 

“Do you mean to deny, that, 
three evenings ago, you changed 
some large bills at two goldsmiths’ 
and a cigar-shop ? ” cried Green. 

“ That I admit,” replied Brend- 
er. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


79 


“ Where did you get those bills ? ” 

Brender hesitated before reply- 
ing, as if considering what to say. 

“ I found them,” he finally an- 
swered. 

“Where?” 

“ In the baron’s park.” 

“ I should have given you credit 
for a more sensible subterfuge. 
This one is pretty well worn out, 
and is hardly employed even by be- 
ginners in the career of crime.” 

“ I can only speak the truth.” 

“ Well, we will see where the 
truth will lead you. When did 
you find the bills ? ” 

“ The same day on which I 
passed them.” 

“ How many bills did you find ? ” 

“ Ten.” 

“ Have you spent them all ? ” 
“No.” 

“ Where are the others ? ” 

“ In my pocket-book.” 

“ And where is the pocket- 
book ? ” 

“ I had it with me this morning, 
here in my coat-pocket : it has dis- 
appeared. I do not know where it 
is. It probably fell out when I was 
thrown down this morning.” 

“Then it would have been found. 
Where have you left the money 
that you received in exchange for 
the bills ? ” 

“ That also was in the pocket- 
book.” 

“And you did not know that 
the bills which you pretend to have 
found were counterfeit? ” 

“Should I, then, have passed 
them ? ” broke in Brender. 

This reproach sounded almost 
artless. 


“Why did you go to work so 
cautiously in changing the bills ? ” 

“ I know of no caution. I changed 
the bills because I was afraid it 
might be discovered that I had 
found them ; and it was my inten- 
tion to keep the money.” 

“Aha! You are very familiar 
with the penal code, and know that 
the punishment for retaining what 
one finds is far more mild than that 
inflicted upon a counterfeiter ? ” 

“ I have never given my atten- 
tion to the penal code.” 

“ One gains some knowledge of 
it when he has been frequently 
punished.” 

“ I have never been punished.” 

“ On this point, also, we shall 
soon have the necessary informa- 
tion from your home. Why did you 
wear gold spectacles that evening? ” 

Brender smiled. 

“ From pardonable vanity. I 
have often done it when I have 
been out.” 

“You have often been in this 
city?” 

“Never.” 

“ And yet you have such a thor- 
ough knowledge of it.” 

“ I find my way in a strange city 
very easily.” 

“ On that evening, you mentioned 
to your driver the firms of the 
goldsmiths, and the names of the 
streets.” 

“ I had impressed them upon my 
mind a few hours before, because I 
intended to change the bills.” 

“ This you could have done more 
easily and quickly at a banker’s.” 

“ That I allow ; but I did not 
know where to find one.” 


80 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


“ Say, rather, you were afraid the 
banker would perceive that the bills 
were counterfeit.” 

“ I did not know that they were 
counterfeit.” 

“ Do you really think that I shall 
give the slightest credit to your 
statements ? ” 

“ I hope so,” replied Brender. 
“ I have told the whole truth. My 
master will assure you that I am 
far from being a criminal.” 

“ Your master has merely said 
that he did not trouble himself about 
your past life, and knew nothing 
concerning it. Moreover, he has 
already left the city.” 

Brender’s eyes flashed. He 
seemed to have expected that Al- 
tenberg would interest himself in 
his behalf. 

“ He must bear witness that I 
have served him faithfully.” 

He has only testified that he 
was very well satisfied with your 
skill and usefulness. He had no 
proof of your faithlessness ; but, for 
all that, he doubted your honesty.” 

“ I do not believe he said 
that.” 

“ His deposition is recorded. I 
might read it to you from the 
register.” 

Brender gnashed his teeth audi- 
bly. For a moment, he lost his 
calmness. 

“ Ha ! The captain has no right 
to make such a deposition ; for he 
can prove no dishonesty on my 
part,” he exclaimed, greatly ex- 
cited. “He seems to have forgot- 
ten that I can testify against him ; 
that more than one of his secrets 
rests in my hands; that I know 


enough to destroy his honor. I 
have reason to doubt his honesty ; 
for the whole history of the 
duel” — 

He interrupted himself, as if he 
had already said more than he in- 
tended to say. 

“ What do you know about the 
captain ? ” asked Green with per- 
fect indifference apparently. 

“ Various things ; but I shall be 
silent concerning them. I wish to 
prove to him that I am a faithful 
servant.” 

“ That will affect him but little,” 
remarked Green. “ He seemed to 
have no further interest in your 
fate. Perhaps he was connected 
with you in the counterfeiting busi- 
ness?” 

Green spoke these words almost 
in a whisper: something treach- 
erous lay in them. He confidently 
expected that Brender, carried 
away by his bitterness, would as- 
sent to this question. Thus he 
would at the same time confess 
that he himself knew the bills to be 
counterfeit. 

“ No : I did not even know they 
were counterfeit,” replied Brender, 
skilfully avoiding this snare. 

“ What business did you have 
with the man who was waiting for 
you near the baron’s house two 
evenings ago, when we came home 
from the city together ? ” 

Brender put on an appearance 
of trying to summon his memory 
to his aid. 

“No one was waiting for me,” 
he said. 

“Do you know the man ? ” con- 
tinued Green. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


81 


“Indeed, I do not know who 
you mean.” 

“ The one who was slowly walk- 
ing up and down before the baron’s 
house, waiting for you. You spoke 
to him when I was lingering be- 
hind for a moment.” 

“ Ah, yes ! The man asked me 
what time it was. I did not know 
him.” 

“ And what reply did you 
make ? ” 

“I told him the time.” 

“ You did not look at your 
watch.” 

“I always have the exact time 
in my head.” 

“ Even on that evening, after we 
had been drinking pretty deeply ? ” 

“ Certainly, at that time also : 
otherwise I should have looked at 
my watch. I have not thought 
of the matter since : therefore the 
particulars have escaped me.” 

“It is remarkable that no one 
has proclaimed himself the loser 
of the bills you pretend to have 
found.” 

“ As you say the bills were 
counterfeit, it seems less remark- 
able to me,” replied Brender. 
“The one who lost them would 
then, necessarily, be afraid of de- 
tection.” 

“ Why did you carry a revolver 
this morning ? ” pursued Green. 

“ I always do that in large, 
strange cities, for ease of mind 
as well as safety.” 

“ But you bought it here ; for 
it bears the mark of a manufac- 
turer residing in this city.” 

“ Perfectly correct : I bought it 
here.” 


“ Since you assert that you 
always carry such a weapon in 
strange cities, you must have had 
one already ? ” 

“ I had a very pretty revolver ; 
but I sold it on my way here.” 

“ And why ? ” 

“ Because I obtained a very high 
price for it, and, moreover, was em- 
barrassed for want of money.” 

“Yet your savings are large 
enough to enable you to live at 
ease, as you told the maid of the 
baroness.” 

“ I was only joking with the 
girl.” 

“ Did you give her the ring in 
joke also ? ” 

“ Certainly ; for it would never 
occur to me to marry her.” 

The commissary saw that the 
examination would lead to no re- 
sult. He rang for a police-officer, 
and commanded him to lead the 
prisoner back. 

Brender heard this command, 
and still he remained standing 
quietly, with his eyes fixed on 
Green. 

“ Have you any other communi- 
cation to make ? ” asked the com- 
missary. 

“ Yes : I wish to speak to my 
master, Capt. von Altenberg.” 

“ He has already left the city, 
as I told you,” replied Green. 

Brender pressed his lips together, 
in bitterness of spirit, and silently 
followed the police-officer. 

Green left the room. He had 
commissioned an officer to look up 
the man with whom Brender had 
exchanged a few words on the 
evening already mentioned. Per- 


£2 THE LOST 

haps his statements would lead to 
the discovery of Brender’s real 
name ; or, at least, some contra- 
dictions on his part might be 
proved. But all the efforts of the 
police had hitherto been in vain. 
His residence could not be dis- 
covered. 

Evening drew near. The com- 
missary went to a restaurant to rest 
and refresh himself. He remained 
sitting there a long time, and then 
started up, in order to fulfil the 
promise he had given the baron of 
spending the night in his room. 

He would gladly have devoted 
this night to undisturbed rest ; but 
the thought that the mysterious 
thief might repeat the attempt to 
open the casket impelled him to 
resist the longing. 

He walked slowly to the gate 
of the city, and drew near the 
park. With a slight exertion he 
sprang over the wall. All around 
was still. He distinctly heard the 
splashing of the fountain near 
the villa. He walked towards the 
house. He noticed a light still 
burning in the baron’s room, but 
could not distinguish the baron, 
who was working at his desk. 
He had, then, come too early. 

In order to while away the time 
until the baron had left his room, 
and betaken himself to rest, he 
wandered through the park. In 
spite of his fatigue, he did not 
like to sit down, for fear of fall- 
ing asleep. He enjoyed the beau- 
tiful avenues as often as he walked 
through them. How happy must 
he feel who could call such a place 
his own ! 


DESPATCH. 

He involuntarily thought how 
little he could enjoy in life. Al- 
though the fulfilment of his pro- 
fessional duties gave him pleasure, 
yet he rarely had an hour he could 
call entirely his own. How many 
sleepless nights did he spend, and 
what hardships was he often forced 
to endure, without speaking of the 
dangers to which he was almost 
daily exposed ! 

Habit, indeed, had made him tol- 
erably indifferent to danger. He 
knew criminals well, and knew 
that almost all of them were cow- 
ards. The consciousness of their 
guilt, and of the wrongs they 
have committed, deprives them, in 
a great measure, of their courage. 
How often had he gone alone into 
the midst of the most dangerous 
criminals, armed only with a short- 
sword, to arrest one or another 
of them ! Almost every time, he 
would have been lost, beyond res- 
cue, if the men had had courage 
to attack him. However active and 
powerful his apparently feeble body 
was, still he would have been forced 
to yield to superior power. 

He had often resolved to apply 
for a position which would allow 
him more rest ; but, as often as he 
was about to carry out his resolu- 
tion, he drew back. He could not 
give up his restless life. It seemed 
to hold him back by force. 

He still saw through the trees 
the glimmer of the light in the 
baron’s study, and therefore con- 
tinued his walk. Just then, he 
noticed the form of a man swing- 
ing himself over the wall into the 
park. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


83 


He stood still in astonishment. 
The darkness did not allow him 
to recognize the form ; but he re- 
solved, at all events, to see who 
it might be. Were not the various 
secrets which this park had already 
disclosed to him at an end yet ? 

A moment the dark form stood 
still, and seemed to be listening 
attentively, evidently wishing to 
be unseen, — one reason the more 
for Green to follow it. 

Rapidly the form passed into a 
dark avenue, and then turned into 
a side-path. It must be some one 
who was very familiar with the 
paths. 

It was difficult for the commis- 
sary to follow him. Perhaps he 
might succeed in getting ahead of 
the man by a shorter cut. He 
quickly struck into a path that led 
across a grass-plot. On this soft 
ground he could go faster, without 
fear of betraying himself. He dis- 
tinctly heard the steps of the un- 
known on the gravel-walk. 

Close by the walk, concealed by 
the trunk of a chestnut- tree, he 
paused. Very cautiously he bent 
his head forward to see the man as 
he came by him. With rapid step 
the stranger approached. He 
seemed to have no suspicion that 
he was watched ; for he passed by, 
without looking aside, scarcely two 
steps from Green. Involuntarily 
the commissary started back in 
alarm, and stood for a moment, 
irresolute. He had seen the man’s 
face quite plainly ; and yet he 
thought he was mistaken : he must 
have been mistaken. Perhaps a 
resemblance perplexed him. But 


this was impossible ; for the resem- 
blance extended not only to the 
face, but to the figure and the gait. 

In the unknown man he had ' 
recognized Brender. 

Swiftly did all possibilities pass 
through his mind. Might not the 
crafty criminal have escaped from 
prison ? What, then, was he seek- 
ing here? Could he venture to 
meet one of the occupants of the 
villa in this place ? 

It was no time to give himself 
up to suppositions. He must have 
certainty, let it cost what it would. 
He quickly drew off his boots, that 
he might not betray himself by the 
sound of his footsteps ; laid hold of 
his breast-pocket, to convince him- 
self that he still had the short- 
sword, his only weapon ; and then 
hurried after the man. He had not 
been so excited for years. His 
heart beat so loud, that he feared 
it would betray him. And again 
doubts arose within him. Was 
B render’s flight from the prison, 
the strength of which he Well knew, 
possible? Had he not seen him 
there only a few hours before? 
Was not Brender’s right arm in a 
sling ; and would it be possible for 
him, disabled thus, to accomplish 
an escape which would be difficult 
under any ‘circumstances ? Had 
not the man, finally, leaped over the 
wall with a dexterity, which, at all 
events, betrayed sound arms ? 

All these doubts flashed through 
Green’s mind as he followed the 
man, who did not approach the 
house, but turned into another ave- 
nue. All the more difficult was it 
for Green to follow him. He sprang 


84 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


from one tree to another, by leaps, 
in order to secure a little conceal- 
ment, at least ; and yet the man, 
hurrying on before him, must have 
seen him if he had only looked back. 
He did not do it. With increased 
speed, he hastened to a garden-seat, 
threw himself on his knees, and 
seemed to be searching eagerly for 
something.* 

A thought arose in Green’s mind, 
which drove away every doubt, and, 
without hesitation, he rushed to- 
wards the kneeling man, to seize 
him ; for it was Brender. He drew 
the short-sword from his pocket, 
and aimed a stunning blow at the 
head of the criminal. 

Almost at the same instant, Bren- 
der sprang up ; and the blow glided 
off his head, leaving scarcely a mark. 
He uttered a half-stifled cry, as he 
saw his worst enemy standing be- 
fore him, and rushed upon him 
with horrible ferocity. He must 
defend his freedom and his life, and 
at the same time satisfy his burn- 
ing hatred*. 

Green had not gained time for a 
second blow. The two men strug- 
gled with the utmost exertion of 
their strength. The commissary 

felt that he was not a match for 

# 

Brender, that he should be forced 
to yield ; for the arms of his an- 
tagonist encircled him like iron 
braces. He knew that it was a strug- 
gle for life : nevertheless, it was 
not fear that drew from him a loud 
cry for help, but anxiety lest the 
dangerous criminal might escape. 

At a little distance, he heard an 
answer to his cry for help : at the 
same instant he was thrown down 


by Brender, and his head struck 
against the edge of the stone bench. 
Brender seized his short-sword, and 
dealt several blows at his head, 
which caused him to fall sense- 
less. 

The help which arrived at that 
moment came too late. George 
rushed to the scene of conflict. 
Marie’s anxious cry betrayed that 
he had been having a late interview 
with his beloved. 

Scarcely had Brender seen him 
when he sprang up, and ran away. 
George followed him ; but the fugi- 
tive had already leaped over the 
wall before he reached him. In his 
excitement and haste, it had not 
been possible for George to recog- 
nize the man he was pursuing. 

He returned quickly to the bench, 
and, to his horror, recognized the 
commissary in the man lying there 
unconscious. He tried to raise 
him : the blood thaT'ran over his 
hands as he did so betrayed how 
severely Green was wounded. 

He sent Marie to the house to 
seek assistance. Henry and the 
coachman came immediately; and, 
with their help, Green was carried 
into the house, still in a state of 
unconsciousness. 

The baron also heard the cry for 
help, and hastened out. His alarm 
was great on seeing Green’s con- 
dition. 

In a few words, George told his 
master all he knew of the circum- 
stances. 

“ Who attacked him ? ” asked 
Elka. 

George could not answer this 
question : he was hardly able to 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


85 


give a general description of the 
fugitive. 

The wounds of the commissary 
were examined, and found to be 
even more severe than was at first 
supposed. The coachman was sent 
to the city to bring a physician ; 
and Elka himself staid with the 
wounded man in order to take care 
that wet cloths should be laid upon 
his wounds, — the only thing he 
ventured to do. 

In a short time, the coachman 
arrived with the nearest physician. 
His face looked doubtful as he 
examined the wounds. 

“ Are the injuries dangerous ? ” 
asked Elka. 

“ Yes,” replied the physician 
frankly. “ I fear they will cause his 
death. There must have been fear- 
ful blows inflicted with a blunt 
instrument upon the unfortunate 
man’s head. I cannot yet tell 
whether the brain is injured: I 
fear it is.” 

Elka was deeply affected. He 
was oppressed by the thought that 
the commissary might lose his life 
in his interest ; for on his account 
had he come into the park. 

Who could the murderer be ? In 
vain did he seek for an answer to 
this question. 

The physician proposed that the 
still unconscious man should be re- 
moved to the hospital, since he had 
not brought the instruments need- 
ful in making a thorough exami- 
nation, and it would take time to 
send for them. 

“ I would gladly keep him in my 
house, and do every thing in my 
power for him,” replied Elka. 


“He will be better off in the 
hospital,” said the physician. “ The 
necessary help is there at hand, and, 
if it is still possible to save him, he 
will recover there.” 

Elka yielded reluctantly to the 
physician’s advice ; and preparations 
were at once made to remove the 
wounded man. 

“Do you not intend to inform 
the police of this affair immedi- 
ately ? ” asked the physician. 

“ Certainly, certainly I ” cried 
Elka. He had not thought of this 
before, so great was his excitement ; 
but he now gave the necessary 
orders to George, who was just 
about to leave the house, when two 
police-officers entered, having come 
to inform the commissary that 
Brender had escaped from prison. 

They heard with consternation 
of the wounds their superior had 
received ; and neither they nor Elka 
doubted that these were inflicted 
by Brender. 

While Green was being conveyed 
to the hospital, the two officers, 
guided by George, examined the 
spot where the commissary had 
been attacked. The place showed 
signs of a violent conflict, and great 
loss of blood. They also examined 
the spot where Brender had leaped 
over the wall, and escaped. They 
took the same road by which he 
had fled, hoping that some object 
might lead them on to the track of 
the fugitive. 

Almost the entire police-force 
was employed in the effort to arrest 
the dangerous criminal. But when, 
at dawn of day, the officers re- 
turned one by one to the police- 


86 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


office to report the result of their 
exertions, not one had discovered a 
trace of the man they sought. 

Brender’s flight attracted great 
attention. It had been accom- 
plished by unexampled boldness 
and skill, which was all the greater 
because he had neither tools, nor 
time for preparation, and could not 
even have known the extent of the 
difficulties he had to overcome. 
The rapidity with which the flight 
had been accomplished, and the 
luck that had attended it, added 
to the attention already excited. 

The officers of the prison would 
have considered flight in such a 
manner impossible, had not Brender 
left unmistakable traces behind him. 

The cell in which he was placed 
was one of the strongest and most 
secure. The walls were thick and 
strong ; the door was covered with 
a heavy iron plating ; and over the 
single window was a grating mas- 
sive enough to bid defiance to hu- 
man strength. But Brender chose 
a very different way to escape. He 
pushed aside the little stove in his 
cell, took out the funnel, enlarged 
the opening in the chimney until it 
was broad enough to crawl through; 
then, taking the stones he had re- 
moved, he piled them up skilfully 
on a wooden stool, and so climbed 
up the chimney. 

But there he encountered an 
unexpected difficulty. A prisoner 
had formerly escaped through the 
chimney; and for that reason several 
stout iron bars had been fastened 
over it, cutting off all hope of flight 
in that way. On meeting this ob- ' 


stacle, Brender crawled down the 
chimney, and let himself down a 
flue which led to the kitchen of the 
prison-inspector. It chanced that 
no one was in the kitchen at that 
time ; and on Brender went, passing 
through the corridors, past the 
room of the prison-inspector, who 
was sitting there with his family, 
and entered the work-room ; closed 
the door behind him ; exchanged his 
clothes, blackened by the soot of 
the chimney, for the coat and pan- 
taloons of the inspector ; took his 
gold watch also, and then continued 
his flight through the window. 
Sliding down a slender water-spout, 
he reached the yard of an out- 
house, and thence made his escape 
by leaping over the wall. 

About an hour afterwards, the 
inspector wished to go into his 
work-room, but found the door 
fastened, and was obliged to have it 
opened by a locksmith. The dis- 
appearance of his coat and panta- 
loons, as well as the blackened gar- 
ments that had been left behind, 
soon explained what had happened. 
The sooty tracks led to the kitchen ; 
and an examination of the cells at 
once betrayed who the bold fugitive 
was. 

Many smiled at this daring and 
singular escape of a criminal in the 
garments of the prison-inspector; 
and there was, indeed, a touch of 
humor in it, which the police, how- 
ever, failed to appreciate. They 
saw in this flight only the boldness 
and cunning of the criminal, and 
exerted themselves anew to arrest 
him, especially as his crimes were 
heightened still further by the at- 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


87 


tack upon the commissary, and the 
fatal injuries he had received. 

But all the efforts of the police 
were fruitless. Not the slightest 
trace of the fugitive was discovered ; 
though, scarcely an hour after his 
escape, information concerning him 
was telegraphed in all directions. 
The most efficient policemen were 
convinced that he was still con- 
cealed in the city ; and, for many 
days and nights, the search was 
continued, but without success. 

And Green, who best knew Bren- 
der’s character, and might, perhaps, 
have given information on several 
points, could not be questioned ; for 
he lay in the hospital, struggling 
against death, and hardly for a 
moment had his consciousness re- 
turned. In the delirium of fever, 
he often called aloud upon Brender ; 
and it was evident, even from his 
incoherent words, that the wounds 
had been inflicted by him : but the 
watcher by his bedside took not the 
slightest interest in the fancies of 
the wounded man, and gave no 
heed to his words. 

Baron von Elka sent his servant 
to the hospital every day to inquire 
for the commissary; but weeks 
passed before any hope was ex- 
pressed that his life might be saved. 
During this time, ample information 
concerning Brender’s past history 
was obtained. Green had rightly 
suspected that Brender was not his 
real name. His name was Bishop. 
He was originally an engraver, and 
a very skilful workman, but had 
no fancy for labor of any kind. 
Many years before, he had been 
sent to the penitentiary for counter- 


feiting bank-notes, and had after- 
wards been in various situations, 
without staying long in any one. 
The police in his native place al- 
ways had a watchful eye upon him, 
especially as he led a dissolute, 
jovial life, even when he was out 
of employment ; but no crime could 
be proved against him. Neverthe- 
less, he was reported by the police 
as a crafty, dangerous, and suspi- 
cious man, who certainly possessed 
great cleverness, and, in various 
branches, great skill also. 

Not a trace of him had yet been 
found. 

Meanwhile, Arthur had almost 
entirely recovered : at least, he was 
quite out of danger, though still 
weak. In no small measure did he 
owe his life to Alice, who had 
cared for him with unwearying 
constancy, and now experienced 
double joy at his recovery. 

It was a bright, still autumn 
morning. The freshness of sum- 
mer still rested upon the grass-plots 
and flower-beds in the park, as the 
skill of the gardener resisted the 
influence of autumn as long as 
possible ; but its power was seen 
in the brilliant foliage of the trees, 
and the yellow leaves that were 
borne to the ground, as if in sport, 
by every breath of wind. But all 
the more plainly was the clear blue 
of heaven to be seen through the 
tree-tops, and all the more cheerily 
did the sunbeams force their way 
through the lightened branches. 

For the first time, the physician 
had allowed Arthur to go out into 
the park, that he might be invigo- 
rated by the fresh, pure air. Sup- 


88 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


ported by Alice and George, he 
slowly descended the stairs. He 
had felt perfectly well while in his 
room ; but he now realized how hard 
it was to make the slightest exer- 
tion, and that he was still very far 
from the recovery of his old 
strength and elasticity. 

With great difficulty he con- 
cealed his weakness, in order that 
no shadow might fall upon the 
happy spirit of Alice. She cried 
aloud with joy when they had left 
the house, and she led her lover 
into the warm sunshine. Bluer and 
higher than ever before seemed the 
heavens to her, purer the air, and 
warmer the sunshine. She herself 
had been deprived of all this for 
weeks. It seemed to her as if 
she were celebrating the day of 
her own recovery, so light and 
happy was her heart, from which 
all anguish had at last been re- 
moved. 

In the joy and exuberance of 
youth, she would have liked to run 
over the green turf with Arthur, 
and sport as they had in their child- 
hood ; but now she walked slowly 
by his side, watching anxiously 
over him. 

George brought chairs for them ; 
and they sat down in the warm sun- 
shine, clasping each other’s hands. 
The fresh air .brought a tinge of 
color to Arthur’s face : his eyes 
gained new brilliancy. 

“ See ! ” cried Alice, noticing this, 
“your cheeks have color already: 
in a few days we can ride together, 
and you shall show me the place in 
the forest where that wicked man 
shot you.” 


A sorrowful smile passed over 
Arthur’s face. 

“ And your cheeks have grown 
pale,” he replied. “ If I had dream- 
ed that I should bring so much 
suffering upon you ! But, even 
then, I could not have acted other- 
wise: my honor was insulted. I 
could not avoid this step.” 

“You men are foolish beings,” 
said Alice. “ You create phan- 
toms, and make yourselves slaves 
to them. Is your honor, then, dif- 
ferent from ours ? Might not we 
women, also, fight duels, when we 
feel offended or insulted ? Per- 
haps you think we do not feel in- 
sults as keenly as yourselves ; but 
we bear them, rather than try to 
expiate them by such folly.” 

Arthur smilingly tried to gainsay 
her words. 

“ Hush ! ” interrupted Alice spor- 
tively : “ youj cannot convince me 
that you m^n are not simpletons. 
The captain insults you : you fight 
a duel with him. He wounds you 
severely ; you lie for weeks at the 
gate of death, while he goes off 
merrily : now the insult is atoned 
for ; your injured honor is restored. 
If you had wounded him, and he 
had been forced to bear all the suf- 
fering you have endured, then only 
should I see any sense in it.” 

“ He would willingly have borne 
it, if he had had such a nurse,” re- 
plied Arthur. “ I am sure he envies 
me. 

“ You are only evading the sub- 
ject,” exclaimed Alice. “ You wish 
to shield yourself by flattering 
words, since you cannot refute my 
accusation.” 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


89 


“ I can refute it as soon as you 
allow that man’s position in life is 
very different from woman’s. Duel- 
ling may be a folly ; but this folly 
has become a universal sentiment, 
which time, perhaps, will change, 
but against which an individual 
cannot contend.” 

“ Indeed, Arthur,” interrupted 
Alice earnestly, “ an individual can 
and must do this, as soon as he sees 
that the universal sentiment is 
false ; that it is nothing but a pre- 
judice. It is far more courageous 
to take a decided stand against 
prejudice than to submit to it.” 

“ Are not you women, also, op- 
pressed by a host of prejudices ? ” 
said Arthur. “ Can you free your- 
selves from them ? ” 

“We are the weak sex, and you 
call yourselves the strong.” 

“ This, also, is a prejudice. Strug- 
gle against it. Prove that women 
are much stronger in endurance 
than men ; that they understand 
far better how to rule, for most 
men, indeed, are under their domin- 
ion. Unfurl your banner openly.” 

“ No, no ! ” cried Alice, clinging 
to him tenderly : “ our dominion 
can only be likened to the little flag 
that flutters gayly at the top of the 
mast ; but the banner that is hoisted 
in the hour of danger, that gives 
to the ship its name and its impor- 
tance, — that is the will of man. In 
the tranquil harbor he may, in 
sport as it were, submit to the 
wishes of the woman ; but, in the 
storm of life, he must be the ruler, 
and sit at the helm.” 

“ Alice, will you yield to my will 
in respect to the happiest, the most 


important hour of my life ? ” asked 
Arthur. 

A delicate blush covered Alice’s 
face. She knew he meant the hour 
in which they should be forever 
united. 

“Arthur, let us speak of that 
when you are entirely well.” 

“My heart is well,” cried the 
young man. “ If it were not strong, 
it could not bear the fervor with 
which it loves you: it would be 
consumed by it.” 

Alice was silent, and looked 
down thoughtfully. 

“ See,” continued Arthur, “your 
father knows of our love ; he has 
silently sanctioned it; and yet I 
long to speak to him. He is so 
good, I am firmly convinced that 
he will not oppose our happiness.” 

“ He will not,” said Alice assur- 
ingly. “ He has always been kind 
and good to me. I am only afraid 
that his own happiness has received 
a blow. His brow is always cloud- 
ed now; and I have never seen 
him so depressed.” 

“ Perhaps he has some serious 
business-trouble,” said Arthur. 

Alice shook her head doubtfully. 

“ It is not that ; for he has never 
betrayed such troubles, — at least, 
in his family-circle.” 

At this moment the baron ap- 
peared in one of the avenues, and, 
seeing Arthur, hastened towards 
him with a smile upon his face. 

“ Good luck to you ! ” cried he, 
stretching out his hand. “ Air and 
sunshine are the best remedies for 
you, especially as you are accus- 
tomed to both.” 

Arthur grasped his uncle’s hand 


90 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


warmly, and looked at him with a 
grateful expression. 

What would have become of him 
if Elka had not received him so 
kindly, and he had been deprived 
of Alice’s care ? 

“ I feel wonderfully invigorated 
already,” he replied. 

“ Now, Alice, give Arthur up to 
me for a little while,” said Elka. 
“ I have a few things to say to him.” 

Alice looked at him anxiously. 
“ Have no fears, my child,” con- 
tinued Elka. “Arthur can bear 
what I have to say to him.” 

Alice went away. 

Elka seated himself in her chair, 
and, after a short silence, said, “ I 
have received a singular letter, con- 
taining interesting revelations con- 
cerning the character of Capt. 
Altenberg. It comes from a per- 
son in whom I have no special 
confidence ; but the information 
seems to have an air of truth. The 
letter is from the captain’s servant, 
— the same man who was arrested 
for passing counterfeit money, and 
escaped from prison so boldly. He 
seems very much imbittered against 
the captain, and represents him in 
the worst colors. According to 
his account, the captain hated you, 
because Alice rejected him, and 
loved you. He had intended to 
have you put out of the way secret- 
ly, and intimated this design to his 
servant ; but he had no fancy for 
undertaking such a dangerous deed, 
especially as he was convinced, that, 
after it was accomplished, the cap- 
tain would deliver him up to justice 
in order to avert suspicion from 
himself. This fear was well ground- 


ed, for Altenberg possesses neither 
honor nor conscience : he is a man 
who yields without restraint to the 
sway of passion. By his order, 
Brender found out the place of your 
abode. Altenberg followed you to 
the restaurant with the intention 
of insulting and challenging you. 
Relying upon his skill in shooting, 
he confidently expected to kill you. 
He even consulted his second as to 
the surest way of causing death, — 
whether he should aim at the head 
or the breast.” 

A flush of indignation overspread 
Arthur’s face. 

Elka noticed this. 

“ Arthur, I hope you will be rea- 
sonable enough to listen to this 
without excitement,” said he. 

“It does not excite me,” said 
Arthur ; while the blood coursing 
swiftly through his veins contra- 
dicted the assertion. “ The captain’s 
conduct was infamous ; and I trust 
he will hereafter give me an oppor- 
tunity to punish him.” 

“ Just because I was afraid of 
this, have I told you all,” interrupt- 
ed Elka. “ I hope you will become 
more composed, and agree with me 
that the captain is worthy only of 
contempt, and is in no condition 
to demand or to give satisfaction. 
Should your path again cross his, 
show that you despise him. You 
know I have not reproached you 
on account of the duel ; but now 
you have other duties, and I hope 
that Alice’s happiness will be of 
more importance to you than any 
thought of hatred or revenge.” 

“ Yes ! ” cried Arthur with pas- 
sionate fervor. “Alice’s happiness 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


91 


shall be the only object of my life. 
I have not yet spoken to you of my 
love, have not yet asked for AUce’s 
hand ; but I should have done it to- 
day, even without this suggestion.” 

“ Have you not already received 
my silent consent ? ” said Elka. 
“ Should I have allowed Alice to 
take care of you, had I not been 
willing that she should be yours ? 
You know her, and know that she 
possesses qualities to make a man 
happy.” 

“ I shall be happy with her, and 
will do every thing, every thing, to 
make her happy also,” cried Ar- 
thur in joyful excitement. “ Ask 
her, years hence, if I have fulfilled 
my promise ; ask her without my 
knowledge : and, if she says she is 
not happy, then call me a liar.” 

Elka smiled. 

“ Arthur, I doubt not the fideli- 
ty and uprightness of your heart. 
I have now a communication to 
make, which you may not have ex- 
pected. I know you have but lit- 
tle property, and that your small 
estate will only suffice, by good 
management, to keep you from the 
anxieties of life. You may have 
counted upon Alice’s dowry to im- 
prove your circumstances.” 

“ O uncle ! I have never thought 
of that,” interrupted Arthur. 

“ Let me finish quietly,” contin- 
ued Elka. “ I think it would be 
very natural for you to count upon 
it. I know you, indeed, too well, 
to suspect that you love Alice only 
on account of her property. Do 
not misunderstand me. You will 
assure me that you love Alice for 
herself alone, and I believe you 


fully : nevertheless, you would be 
perfectly justified in your hope of 
a dowry, because it would enable 
you to make her life more agree- 
able, and she is spoiled in many 
respects. Arthur, you cannot 
rely upon me for any assistance at 
present. I once had considerable 
property; but I have sacrificed it 
to my position. I did it in the 
expectation of reaching a higher 
station. My hope has been dis- 
appointed: I have sacrificed my 
property in vain. Yes : other cir- 
cumstances have compelled me to 
ask a dismissal from my post ; and 
my request has been very promptly 
granted.” 

These last words he spoke with 
a bitter smile. 

“You are not still to be ambas- 
sador ? ” asked Arthur in astonish- 
ment. 

“ No,” replied Elka. “ I myself 
asked to be removed from this 
position ; but I certainly did not 
expect the request to be so speedi- 
ly granted. I hoped they would 
seek to remove the cause which 
led to my request ; for I have sac- 
rificed not only my property, but 
my best powers, to this position. 
I hoped, at least, for justice in the 
weighing of my deserts : more I 
did not expect. But Minister von 
Altenberg, the captain’s father, 
seems to have taken pleasure in 
granting this request at once, 
though he has neglected so many 
others.” 

“ And you will not remain 
here ? ” continued Arthur, who did 
not yet seem to comprehend his 
uncle’s words. 


92 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


44 My circumstances forbid me 
to stay here,” replied Elka. “ The 
remnant of my fortune will give 
me enough to live on ; but I shall 
be forced to retrench. For this I 
care not ; but I am also compelled 
to see the destruction of all my 
plans and hopes : all that is 
over.” 

He passed his hand over his 
brow, as if he would blot out these 
last thoughts. 

Arthur sought to comfort him ; 
but Elka was lost in thought, and 
scarcely heeded his words. 

44 Let it go,” said he, rousing 
himself at length. “ Perhaps rest 
and retirement will bestow upon me 
what I have vainly tried for years 
to attain in another way, — a spirit 
of content. Fate is, perhaps, wiser 
than I, hard though it seems. I 
had become blinded by ambition : 
it is the most unhappy passion, be- 
cause it never leads to perfect satis- 
faction ; the consuming fire burns 
ever on. Even when a man has 
reached the highest possible aim of 
his desires, comes the fear that a 
sudden storm may overthrow him, 
and the hard-won place be lost. 
In all the bitterness that still fills 
my mind, a strange peace has come 
over me, which I ascribe to the as- 
sured hope that I have at last 
found an escape from the confusion 
of life. Alice knows nothing of 
all this. It is painful for me to tell 
her ; for I should at the same time 
be obliged to confess that I have 
wasted the fortune to which my 
only child had a claim ; that I 
might have kept it for her if I had 
lived more prudently, and had not 


been deceived in my calculations. 
It is bitter to a father to make 
such a confession to his child : Ar- 
thur, tell her all. It will not sound 
so harsh from your lips ; and per- 
haps your kind heart may find some 
ground of justification for me which 
I cannot bring to bear myself. It 
is a comfort to me to know that 
Alice is now under the shelter of 
your love.” 

“ Uncle,” cried Arthur, grasping 
Elka’s hand, 44 1 have but little 
that I can offer you. But I am 
young, I have strength and willing- 
ness to work ; and this strength I 
place always at your disposal.” 

A sad smile flitted over Elka’s 
face. 

44 1 thank you for your offer; but 
I am not so badly off as you think. 
I have not yet looked into my 
affairs very thoroughly ; but I hope 
to save enough to raise me above 
the anxieties of life. Perhaps I 
shall succeed in selling this estate 
for a higher price than I expect. 
One thing more. I hope you will 
soon be strong enough to return to 
your home. It is not my intention 
to drive you away from here ; but 
I wish to spare Alice and her moth- 
er the discomfort of the days that 
are before me. You will do me a 
favor if you can induce them to ac- 
company you, and keep them until 
every thing is arranged here. I 
hope it will not be hard for you, to 
exercise hospitality towards Alice,” 
he added with a smile. 44 Neither 
Alice nor her mother must suspect 
that I desire their removal ; for I 
fear anxiety on my account would 
urge them to stay here.” * 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


93 


Arthur joyfully promised to do 
as his uncle wished. 

“ May I then hope, uncle, that I 
can soon keep Alice with me al- 
ways ? ” he cried. 

“Yes,” replied Elka; “as soon 
as your house is made ready to 
receive a young lady, and Alice is 
inclined to stay with you. There 
she comes. She seems to consider 
our conversation too long. Ask 
her. I suspect, indeed, that you 
two have long been agreed as to 
this question : now we are also.” 

He then rose, and, after address- 
ing a sportive word to Alice, went 
into the house. 

The commissary had so far re- 
covered, that he was able, one pleas- 
ant day, to leave the hospital. The 
toughness of his constitution sur- 
mounted his severe injuries sooner 
than could have been expected. 

As soon as his condition allowed 
him to think calmly, his mind 
dwelt much on the baron’s lost 
despatch, Brender’s flight, and his 
attack upon himself. In order to 
shorten the time as he lay upon the 
bed of sickness, in the sleepless 
hours of night, he recalled to his 
memory all the details of the case 
which had been made known to 
him, weighed every possibility 
again and again ; and an entirely 
new supposition in regard to the 
despatches arose in his mind. But, 
whether this supposition could be 
verified, he did not yet know. 

One point especially absorbed his 
thoughts, and excited his impa- 
tience to the highest pitch. 

When Brender, on the evening 


of his escape from prison, hastened 
to the baron’s park, and knelt down 
by the stone bench, it was evident 
that he wished to take away some- 
thing that he had hidden there. 
Green hardly doubted that this was 
the money he had received in ex- 
change for the counterfeit bills, and 
perhaps other bills also. 

Had Brender, after hurling him 
to the - ground, found time to take 
these things with him, or not? 
Could he have got them after- 
wards ? These questions continu- 
ally recurred to the commissary’s 
mind. He might have procured 
positive information by sending a 
police-officer to make an examina- 
tion ; but he could not forego the 
satisfaction of doing this himself. 

The uncertainty which had tor- 
tured him so long gave, him no 
peace ; and he had no sooner left 
the hospital than lie entered a car- 
riage, and was driven towards the 
baron’s estate. 

Slowly he walked through the 
park ; for he was still too weak to 
quicken his pace. He looked up 
at the windows of the house : all 
was unchanged ; but silence seemed 
to have fallen upon the place, and 
he did not even see one of the 
servants. The dry leaves rustled 
under his feet as he walked through 
the avenues. It occurred to him 
that the gardener, who used to be 
so painfully particular, had not 
removed them ; but he was too un- 
easy to give further thought to the 
matter. At length, he stood by the 
stone bench, where he had so often 
longed to be. 

Forcibly shaking off the remem- 


94 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


brances which crowded upon him 
at the sight of this place, he knelt 
down by the bench to examine it. 
The wind had heaped the dry 
leaves upon it. He brushed them 
off ; and his hand, trembling with 
impatience, groped about under the 
bench : it found nothing. He ex- 
amined the ground ; it was firm 
everywhere, and did not seem to 
have been disturbed for years. 
But he would not give up the 
search so easily. Since his hand 
had tried in vain, he bent his head 
under the bench, that he might be 
convinced by his own eyes that 
nothing was hidden under the 
stone. For a moment he waited, 
until his eye became accustomed 
to the dim light ; and then he saw 
the glimmer of a paper in the 
crevice between the stone slablmd 
the back of the bench. He quickly 
drew it out ; and a cry of joy invol- 
untarily escaped him as he held in 
his hand a small package carefully 
wrapped in paper. 

He had found what he was look- 
ing for, what had so often filled his 
thoughts. Without giving himself 
time to rise, he opened the package 
on his knees, in the very place 
where he had been brought so near 
to death. 

His hand trembled with excite- 
ment ; his eye flashed. He found 
a large number of bank-notes, and 
also a quantity of counterfeit bills, 
just as he had expected. He did 
not stop to count the money ; for 
the package contained several other 
papers, which claimed his whole at- 
tention. 

The first one that he opened was 


i 

a passport, made out in Brender’s 
name, which was to have aided him 
in his flight. The second was a 
letter. This Green ran over hur- 
riedly, and then looked up in as- 
tonishment, as if he could not trust 
his eyes. Once more he read it 
slowly, while his eyes sparkled with 

joy* 

The letter ran thus : — 

“ Dear Brother, — I have sent 
a copy of the despatches to 
the editor of the news- 

paper. He read it with the 
greatest delight, and pays well for* 
it. It will be published in about 
a fortnight, and will attract great 
attention. I have been obliged to 
demand this delay, because your 
carelessness has placed me in a 
very embarrassing position. You 
exchanged your copy of the key 
for the original, and took that with 
you. Fortunately, the minister 
has noticed nothing yet. Send me 
the original by return of mail. 
Mark it as a valuable paper, that it 
may come safely, so that I can ex- 
change it for the copy. When 
this is done, we need not fear dis- 
covery. By the article in the pa- 
per, suspicion will be excited that 
the despatches have been made 
public by the ambassador, or 
through some fault of his. Send 
me the original key. Albert will 
betray nothing. With best greet- 
ings, Your Brother.” 

The commissary hardly believed 
his eyes. The contents of the let- 
ter did not puzzle him for an in- 
stant. It was directed to Wies- 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


95 


baden, where Brender had been, 
with his master, before Altenberg’s 
visit to the baron. The postmark 
gave the date on which the letter 
had been mailed, and on which it 
had reached Wiesbaden. Both 
were prior to the loss of the baron’s 
despatches. 

This unexpected turn of the af- 
fair excited Green so much, that he 
was obliged to sit down on the 
bench, and try to recover his com- 
posure. At length he rose, and 
went towards the house, in order 
to inform the baron of his dis- 
covery. 

As he entered, Elka sprang to 
meet him with outstretched hand. 

“ Here you are again ! ” he cried, 
with an expression of the most 
sincere interest. “ I have been 
very anxious about you. Have 
you entirely recovered? You still 
look pale.” 

“ I have escaped this time,” said 
Green, with a smile. “ If my skull 
had not been so thick, it would 
have been completely shattered. 
The physician told me to-day, that 
at first he would not have .given a 
penny for my chance of life. We 
see that even the best physicians 
may be deceived.” 

“ Let us rejoice that he was mis- 
taken,” exclaimed Elka. “ The 
thought that you might lose your 
life in my interest has troubled 
me more than you imagine.” 

“ I thank you for your interest,” 
answered Green. “ I can at least 
testify that I have not forgotten 
your affairs, even on the bed of 
sickness. They have occupied my 
thoughts largely. How is it about 


the despatches? Is there no ex- 
planation yet ? ” 

“ Let us drop this subject,” said 
Elka. “ I am trying to forget an 
affair which will always be a mys- 
tery to me.” 

“ Are you so firmly convinced 
that it will never be explained ? ” 
asked Green, with a smile. 

Elka shrugged his shoulders. 

“ I am,” he gravely replied. 

“ You do not know how decidedly 
this has influenced my whole life. 
It was owing to the loss of the de- 
spatches, that I gave up my post as 
ambassador. You look upon me 
in astonishment. I am speaking 
the truth. I have left my public 
life, and shall live, henceforth, only 
as a simple citizen. I sold this 
place yesterday : in a few days I 
shall leave the city, and, in all 
probability, shall never return. I 
should have visited you, in the 
hospital, before my departure. 
Many changes have taken place 
since last we met. You can under- 
stand that one does not willingly 
abandon hopes which he has cher- > 
ished for long years, on which his 
whole life was built ; and yet I am 
now satisfied with my condition, A 
heavy weight of duties is taken 
from my shoulders. I think my 
life will be happier and more 
peaceful without them.” 

“Herr Baron, will you permit 
me to ask a few more questions ? ” 
said Green. 

Elka bowed his head in assent. 

“ Was the publication of the de- 
spatches the cause of your with- 
drawing from your position ? ” 

Elka replied in the affirmative. 


96 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


“And if I should now prove 
that your despatches have not been 
published, that no reproach touch- 
es you ! ” exclaimed the commis- 
sary. 

Elka looked up in surprise : his 
eyes flashed, and betrayed greater 
emotion than he liked to show. 

“How can that be possible?” 
said he. 

“ You told me, that, besides your- 
self, Minister von Altenberg alone 
knew about the despatches.” 

“ Very true ; but I do not under- 
stand” — 

“What if the despatches had 
been stolen from the minister?” 
said Green. 

Elka shook his head. 

“ No, no : that is not to be thought 
of ! How do you come to^this sup- 
position ? ” 

“ It is no supposition : read this 
letter.” 

As the baron’s eye ran over the 
letter, his cheek flushed, his hand 
trembled perceptibly. He sprang 
up. 

“ Where did you get this let- 
ter ? ” he hurriedly inquired. 

Green told him where he found 
it. 

“ And you think it is genuine ; 
that it contains the truth ? ” 

“ There is no doubt of it. You 
know the man to whom these lines 
are addressed is not called Brender, 
but Bishop ; and his brother is in 
the employment of Minister von 
Altenberg. This letter was writ- 
ten before your despatches disap- 
peared : the same paper that you 
described to me is mentioned there. 
Every thing combines to make my 


supposition undoubted truth. 
Those were not your despatches 
that were published.” 

“You are right ! ” cried Elka, 
seizing Green’s hand in joyful ex- 
citement. “ Herr Commissary, per- 
haps you do not imagine how great 
a service you have rendered me 
through this letter. What is done 
cannot, indeed, be undone ; neither 
do I desire it : but this letter is a 
comfort to me. I was answerable 
for the despatches, and could only 
repel the reproach that came upon 
me on account of the harshness 
with which it was expressed. Now 
I can throw back the censure also : 
it falls upon him who has improved 
this opportunity to show his en- 
mity to me. This letter is the 
most satisfactory thing that I could 
have received ; for it places a pow- 
erful weapon in my hand. I thank 
you for it.” 

The commissary smiled. 

“ Do not thank me ; for fortunate 
chance alone placed the letter in 
my hand. You may remember 
that I once mentioned this possi- 
bility to you.” 

“ I wonder at your penetration. 
But what has become of my de- 
spatches? Could the thief have 
been prevented from using them 
only on account of their publication 
by another party ? The same 
mystery puzzles me still.” 

“ Even this I hope yet to solve,” 
replied Green. 

Elka looked at him inquiringly. 

“ Yon know how disagreeably I 
was prevented from carrying out 
my intention of watching in your 
room,” continued Green. “ Has 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


97 


any attempt to open the casket 
been made since then ? ” 

“ Several times, and in the same 
mysterious manner. But the effort 
was unsuccessful ; for I have put a 
bit of wax in the key every even- 
ing. An invisible thief seems to 
hover around me at night.” 

“ Herr Baron, your despatches 
have not been stolen,” said Green, 
smiling. 

Elka looked at him in amazement. 
He did not comprehend his words. 

“ Have you never been conscious 
of walking in your sleep ? ” asked 
the commissary. 

The baron was startled. 

“ Certainly. I suffered from that 
in my youth.” 

“ And later ? ” pursued Green. 

“ I have never again been aware 
of it.” 

“Yet it would not be impossible 
that this diseased condition should 
return. Your nervous system seems 
to be very much exhausted. You 
sleep alone : therefore no one has 
had an opportunity to watch you. 
Herr Baron, I am convinced that 
you have yourself taken the de- 
spatches from the casket while in 
a state of somnambulism.” 

Elka paced up and down the 
room in great excitement. Was 
not the commissary’s theory pos- 
sible ? Had he not for some time 
been conscious of a tension of the 
nerves, the cause of which was in- 
explicable to him ? 

“Where could I have left the 
despatches, if I had taken them 
from the casket myself? ” he asked 
half-doubtfully, half-sharing the 
commissary’s conviction. 

7 


“ That I cannot tell ; but I 
should search this room. May 
you not have hidden them in 
some place ? ” 

“ Then I should have found them 
already,” interrupted Elka. 

“Allow me to remind you, that 
somnambulists often act with a 
caution and cunning of which they 
would be incapable in their waking 
hours.” 

“ But what could have led me to 
remove the despatches that have 
caused me so much anxiety and 
vexation ? ” 

“ In the very importance of the 
despatches, it seems to me, lies the 
reason why your mind should be 
occupied with them in this dis- 
eased condition.” 

Still Elka paced up and down 
the room. 

“You have placed a theory before 
me which has much to support it, 
which would solve this great mys- 
tery ; and yet my mind instinctive- 
ly recoils from it.” 

“ May not this be merely the ef- 
fect of the unexpected solution ? ” 
said Green. “ I think it is very 
natural, if the thought that you 
have caused yourself so much un- 
easiness is unpleasant to you, that 
you should, as it were, recoil from 
it.” 

“I would willingly have borne 
this uneasiness if I could be sure 
that the despatches have never 
fallen into other hands.” 

“ I hope this may become cer- 
tainty.” 

“ How will you make it possi- 
ble?” 

“We will try to find the place 


98 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


where you have hidden the de- 
spatches.” 

“ And in what way ? ” 

“ You have so often tried to open 
the casket, that you will surely re- 
peat the attempt. We will remove 
the wax from the key, so that you 
can unlock the casket. I will stay 
here at night to watch you ; and I 
am convinced, that, if you take any 
thing out, you will hide it in the 
same place where you have con- 
cealed the despatches.” 

The wisdom of this suggestion 
was obvious to the baron. Only 
one fear arose in his mind. 

“And if the diseased condition 
in which you think I have done all 
this does not return ? ” 

“ The excitement into which you 
have been thrown by my commu- 
nication makes it only too proba- 
ble that it will return,” answered 
Green. 

“ I shall be here but a few days 
longer/’ said Elka. 

“ Then there is all the greater 
need that we should carry out our 
plan without delay, and make an 
attempt this very night.” 

“You .are still too weak: I can- 
not allow you to expose yourself to 
so much fatigue and excitement.” 

“ Have no fears. I shall not 
have to enter by way of the win- 
dow: my strength would not be 
equal to that, certainly. I am not 
afraid of the excitement; and, if 
you will permit me, I can make 
myself very comfortable here.” 

“ Arrange every thing as you 
please. You have done and suf- 
fered so much for me, that I can 
never repay you.” 


“I have only done my duty,” 
answered Green, modestly evading 
the baron’s praise. “ May I ask 
what has become of your nephew ? 
No news from him has reached me 
in the hospital.” 

The baron’s face brightened, as 
Green led his thoughts to Arthur. 

“ He has recovered entirely, and 
gone back to his estate. My wife 
and daughter accompanied him, and 
I hope to follow them in a few 
days. He is to marry my daughter 
in a short time : I hope they will 
be a very happy couple.” 

The commissary left the house, 
promising to return in the evening. 
Elka remained alone in his room, 
thinking over the commissary’s 
theory. If it should prove true ; if 
the despatches had not been stolen 
from him, and he should succeed in 
finding them ! What satisfaction 
to hurl back upon the minister his 
own harsh, bitter words of reproach, 
to prove that the despatches had 
been stolen from the minister him- 
self, that the charge of negli- 
gence touched not him, but Alten- 
berg ! 

Restless, excited, he paced up 
and down his room. Doubts arose 
in his mind : he tried to suppress 
them. He searched every part of 
the room, the secretary, the book- 
case, — all in vain. At length he 
went out into the garden in order 
to pass away the time, and master 
the uneasiness that had taken pos- 
session of him. It no longer pained 
him that he was so soon to leave 
forever the home in which he had 
lived for years. A wealthy Amer- 
ican, who was particularly pleased 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


99 


with the situation, had bought the 
estate a few days before, and paid 
a much higher price than the baron 
expected, — more, indeed, than the 
place was worth. 

His prospects for the future were 
thus brightened ; for he could now 
live quietly on the remnant of his 
fortune, and would be subjected to 
fewer deprivations than he had 
feared. 

Slowly the evening drew near. 
Green came early to fulfil his prom- 
ise. “Iam still obliged to avoid the 
night air,” said he, and was about 
to take a seat in the ante-room 
until the baron had retired to rest. 

But Elka would not consent to 
this. 

“ You have rendered me a greater 
service than a friend ever has,” 
said he. “ Come, we will chat un- 
til we are tired, and drink a glass 
of wine. I still have some in the 
cellar that you can bear ; for it is 
pure and old, — the genuine kind 
for invalids.” 

The two were soon seated in the 
baron’s library, and before them 
stood glasses of pearling wine. 
Choice cigars added to their en- 
joyment. Green had not believed 
the baron capable of being so ami- 
able, friendly, and attentive. The 
commissary told stories drawn from 
his experience as a police-officer, 
and purposely chose the most mys- 
terious subjects in' order to produce 
a state of still greater excitement 
in the baron’s mind. He wished 
to excite his nerves in the expecta- 
tion that their diseased condition 
would the more surely be manifest- 
ed during sleep. 


At length Elka withdrew into 
his sleeping-room, and locked the 
door as he was in the habit of 
doing every night. By Green’s 
express request, he did not depart 
in any way from his usual custom. 

Green lay down on the sofa with 
the firm intention of going to sleep, 
feeling confident that the slightest 
noise, or the appearance of a light, 
would wake him. He had always 
been a remarkably light sleeper, 
especially when his nerves were 
excited ; and the experience of this 
day had affected him in an extraor- 
dinary manner, owing to his state 
of weakness. 

There he lay ; but sleep fled from 
him. Silence reigned in the house, 
in which, besides the baron, no 
one was present except George and 
Marie. Marie had undertaken to 
pack the things belonging to the 
baroness ; and George would not 
leave his master as long as he was 
in the city. All the other servants 
had been dismissed. 

The thought of all he had ex- 
perienced and suffered since he 
first entered this house, involun- 
tarily passed through Green’s mind. 
He had been sent hither by the 
chief of police to search for the 
lost despatches ; and perhaps he 
would never have accomplished 
this task had not chance or for- 
tune aided him. He must call it 
luck, that he had surprised Bren- 
der at the very moment when he 
was about to take away his hidden 
treasures, even though that luck 
had brought him nigh to death, 
and caused him many painful hours. 
How could he have dreamed at 


100 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


that time, that the crime which 
he was commissioned to discover 
would be explained in the way 
that he now confidently expected ! 
One anxiety alone oppressed him, 
— that the condition of the baron, 
which was to raise the veil from 
this mystery, would not return. 
Elka now looked much more 
calmly upon the events that had 
exercised such an important in- 
fluence upon his life. After all 
the days of excitement and vexa- 
tion, he looked forward to a tran- 
quil existence. He was like a 
mariner who has exerted all his 
powers to prevent the shipwreck 
of the vessel that bears the hopes 
of his life, but who, when the ship 
is dashed to pieces upon a reef, 
in calm submission builds a simple 
hut upon the shore, inwardly re- 
joicing that he need no longer 
trust his happiness and his life to 
the stormy, treacherous waves. 

These thoughts excited Green 
more than was agreeable to him. 
He lay with closed eyes ; but rest 
brought him no refreshment. All 
was silent in the house. Without, 
the wind whistled through the tree- 
tops, which were so deeply tinged 
with the hues of autumn. He 
thought he could hear the gentle 
rustling of falling leaves. 

Elka seemed to be asleep : at 
least, not a sound came from his 
room. Hours had already passed 
since he lay down to sleep. Impa- 
tience finally seized the commis- 
sary ; and he was about to rise, 
in order, by change of position, to 
lessen his mental restlessness, when 
the door of the baron’s sleeping- 


room was softly opened. A form 
glided noiselessly through the door, 
and then closed it again. Only 
dimly could Green distinguish the 
outline of a figure against the 
window. He lay motionless, hold- 
ing his breath. His blood, which 
usually flowed so calmly, coursed 
swiftly, excitedly, through his 
veins; and he almost feared the 
beating of his heart would betray 
him. The figure that he saw was 
not that of the baron. It looked 
smaller, more graceful, as it stood 
listening at the door. 

Green arose so softly, that the 
sharpest ear would not have been 
able to hear him. His hand trem- 
bled with excitement. The mys- 
tery seemed to receive a differ- 
ent solution from what he had 
expected. Who was the intruder? 
How had it come into the bar- 
on’s room ? These questions flit- 
ted through his mind. 

The figure advanced a few steps 
into the room : again it paused. 
Suddenly a match flashed up. By 
the transient light, Green recog- 
nized the form : it was Marie. 
He started indeed, in surprise, 
but remained in his motionless 
position. 

The little match cast a faint, 
pale light upon the face of the 
girl, who had no suspicion of the 
commissary’s presence. But, as 
the match burned more brightly, 
Marie glanced rapidly through the 
room. Her eyes met Green’s : she 
started in terror, a cry escaped 
her; while the match and some 
other object fell from her hand. 
She recovered herself quickly, and 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


101 


was about to hasten to the door ; 
but G^een anticipated her, and 
reached the door at a single 
bound. 

“ Stop ! ” he cried, seizing the 
girl’s hand. 44 Not one step from 
this spot ! ” 

Elba’s voice was heard from the 
next room. 

“ Almighty God ! The baron ! ” 
cried Marie in a faint voice, strug- 
gling to free herself ; but Green 
held her fast. Excitement lent 
wonderful strength to his still 
feeble frame. 

“What are you looking for in 
this room ? ” he cried. “ What 
fell to the floor with that rat- 
tling sound ? ” 

The girl did not answer. 

At this moment, the baron 
entered the room with a light. 
Green’s eye glanced quickly over 
the floor, on which he soon found 
a gold watch and key. 

“ Herr Baron, the mystery has 
received another solution,” cried 
he. 

Elba paused in consternation 
when he saw Marie. 

“ Impossible, impossible ! ” he 
exclaimed. “ Marie — You ! ” 

“ The proof of her guilt lies 
there on the floor,” said Green, 
pointing to the watch. 

Marie threw herself down before 
the baron, and clasped his knees. 

“ You have stolen the despatches 
from the casket,” continued Green. 
“ You opened it with this key on 
the watch-chain.” 

The girl made no reply, but tried 
to hide her face from the baron as 
well as the commissary. 


Elka could find no words to 
express his astonishment. The 
expression of sorrow on his face 
was not to be mistaken. 

“How did you come here? ” he 
asked at length. 

Marie persisted in her silence. 

“ Well, the discovery ought not 
to be very difficult for us,” observed 
Green, as he took the light, which 
the baron still held in his hand, and 
went into the sleeping-room. 4 4 Ah, 
the way is found already ! ” he 
exclaimed, when he had glanced 
around the room. In the tapestry 
that covered the walls of the apart- 
ment a panel was pushed aside : it 
formed a secret door. 

More closely still did Marie clasp 
the baron’s knees. 

44 Mercy, mercy ! I will confess 
all ” she sobbed. 

The commissary was used to 
such tears, and attached but lit- 
tle weight to them. 

44 Where are the despatches you 
have taken from the casket ? ” he 
sternly asked. 

44 There, there ! ” cried the guilty 
one, pointing to the secret door. 

Without delay, Green followed 
the direction of her hand. He 
pushed the panel back still far- 
ther, and passed through without 
difficulty. 

44 Ha ! here we have what we have 
so long sought in vain,” he cried, 
returning to the room. In his 
right hand were several papers: 
which he held out towards Elka. 

44 The despatches ! ” exclaimed 
the baron, after glancing at them. 
He took them hurriedly, and read 
them over. 


102 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


44 They are, they are the de- 
spatches ! ” he cried. 44 Unhappy 
one, what did you intend to do 
with them ? or what have you done 
already ? ” said he, turning to 
Marie, who still knelt before him, 
covering her face with both 
hands. 

44 1 will confess all, all, but to you 
alone,” she cried. 

Elka looked inquiringly at 
Green. 

He understood the glance. 

44 1 think my presence will not 
be necessary,” he said. 

Elka motioned to Marie to follow 
him to the library; while Green 
remained in the sleeping-room, 
examining the secret door in the 
tapestry. It was constructed with 
the greatest skill, and, when closed, 
could not be seen from within. It 
opened into a narrow passage, 
which led to another room, tapes- 
tried in the same manner. It 
seemed as if the walls of these 
rooms were hung with tapestry only 
to conceal the passage that con- 
nected them. 

Could the baron have been igno- 
rant of this passage ? Must he not 
have known that Marie was famil- 
iar with it also ? The baron had 
not denied, indeed, that some ref- 
lation existed between the maid 
and himself. 

The commissary was filled with 
indignation. The baron seemed to 
have duped him : at least, he had 
not told the truth when he assured 
him that Marie had never been in 
his room at night. 

Green paced back and forth in 
excitement. Marie hurried by him 


with flushed cheeks, and left the 
room. 

44 Herr Commissary,” said Elka, 
appearing at the door, 44 the mys- 
tery is at length solved, and I owe 
you an explanation. Pray come in 
here.” 

Silently Green took a seat oppo- 
site the baron. * What explanation 
could Elka give him ? Could he 
believe the words of this man ? 
Would it not be for his interest to 
soften, so far as possible, the guilt 
of his beloved ? 

He was struck by the composure 
of Elka’s manner. 

44 Herr Commissary,” began Elka, 
44 you possess my fullest confi- 
dence : I consider your character 
thoroughly honorable, and have no 
hesitation,' therefore, in informing 
you of an affair, which, as you can 
easily see, is very painful to me. 
You may remember that you sur- 
prised me in an interview with my 
wife’s maid in the summer-house, 
and that you intimated to me your 
suspicion that I was carrying on 
an intrigue with her. I suffered 
this suspicion to rest upon me : I 
did not contradict it, because upon 
that depended the preservation of 
a far more painful secret. Herr 
Commissary, it is true that I had 
an appointed meeting with Marie ; 
but it concerned no love-affair, for 
I have never had one with her : one 
word will drive every doubt from 
your mind. Marie is my natural 
daughter.” 

Green looked at Elka in astonish- 
ment. 

A sad smile passed over the 
baron’s face. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


103 


“ Few, indeed, leave a youth be- 
hind them which is free from faults 
and follies,” he continued. “ Marie 
was born before I was married. 
Her mother died a few years after- 
wards. It would not have been 
difficult to deny the relation in 
which I stood to the child ; for the 
only witness was dead : but I could 
not abandon the helpless being to 
fate ; I could not expose to de- 
struction the child in whose veins 
my blood flowed. For many years, 
I cared for her in secret, and tried 
to bring her up well in order to 
insure her future happiness. When 
Marie was grown up, I persuaded 
my wife to take her for her maid. 
I could venture upon this step be- 
cause I thought Marie had no sus- 
picion of the relation in which I 
stood to her. I was moved to this 
course by the desire to have Marie 
always under my eye. It would 
then attract less attention if I 
should show a warm interest in her 
fate. I thought I was acting very 
cautiously, so that the happiness of 
my marriage, and the peace of my 
wife, would in no way be disturbed ; 
but human wisdom is so often 
wrecked by accidents, by insigni- 
ficant trifles which one cannot 
foresee ! 

“As Marie has just informed me, 
she knew that she was my child. 
She has often seen me reading the 
despatches ; and the care with 
which I always locked them up 
aroused in her the suspicion that 
they contained the mystery of her 
birth, concerning which she herself 
knew but a few vague rumors. The 
longing to procure certainty on this 


point, and the thought of possessing 
proof against me in case she should 
ever need my support, — all this led 
the thoughtless girl to take the 
papers from me. How this was 
accomplished I need not tell you. 
Accident had made known to her 
the secret passage leading to my 
sleeping-room.” 

“ Had you no knowledge of this 
passage yourself ? ” interrupted 
Green. 

“ No,” replied Elka. “ Other- 
wise, I should have sooner discov- 
ered the way in which the de- 
spatches were stolen from me.” 

“ Has Marie allowed any one to 
look at the despatches ? ” asked 
Green. 

“ She assures me that no one but 
herself knows about them ; and I 
believe her, because, up to this hour, 
she was convinced that the papers 
related to her and her birth. 
Herr Commissary, you do not seem 
to trust her word.” 

“ I have no right to question her 
truthfulness,” replied Green ; “ but 
you know, Herr Baron, how easily 
a police-officer doubts. We are all 
pessimists: we become such through 
our profession and our experience. 
This solution of the mystery is all 
the more surprising to me because 
I had expected such a different 
explanation : of course, I admit that 
I have been mistaken. I can easily 
understand the adroitness of the 
girl in accomplishing the theft the 
first time ; but the boldness with 
which the attempt was so often 
repeated is incomprehensible to 
me.” 

“ I asked her about that,” re- 


104 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


plied Elka. “ The fact that I did 
not mention the disappearance of 
the papers, and the repeated at- 
tempts to open the casket, gave 
her confidence. The foolish child 
thought I knew nothing about it. 
Herr Commissary, I believe her. I 
have one more particular request 
to make of you. You understand 
how much depends upon keeping 
secret all that I have confided to 
you. The happiness of my family 
depends upon it. You know I have 
withdrawn from public life in order 
to live wholly for them : it would 
therefore be doubly painful if my 
family relations should be dis- 
turbed.” 

“ Herr Baron, this request was 
not needed,” broke in Green. 

“ For Marie’s sake, also, I should 
be glad to have no one hear of her 
foolish, thoughtless step,” contin- 
ued Elka. “ She is soon to marry 
my servant George ; and I do not 
wish her wedded life to be disturb- 
ed by discord from the beginning. 
Her own interest will compel her to 
be silent on the subject.” 

Green assured him that his lips 
should never betray any thing. 

“Now, one thing more, Herr 
Commissary, ” continued Elka. 
“ You have rendered me such 
infinite service, have suffered so 
much on my account, that I do 
not know how I can ever prove 
my gratitude. It would give me 
sincere pleasure if I could be of 
use to you.” 

“I have only done my duty,” 
answered Green modestly. “ It is 
also a satisfaction to me, that I can 
now announce to my superior the 


accomplishment of the task imposed 
upon me.” 

“ I shall do that myself,” broke 
in Elka. “ I will go to the chief of 
police to-morrow to thank him for 
intrusting this case to you. May 
I offer you the casket as a token of 
remembrance ? ” 

Green bowed gratefully. 

“ Here is the key to it,” went 
on Elka, passing him the valuable 
gold watch, together with the chain 
on which the little key hung. 

The commissary was about to 
take off the key. 

“ Leave it on,” begged the baron : 
“ it is accustomed to be worn on 
this chain. Pray do not reject this 
little memento. The crystal is 
broken, indeed ; but the watch is 
still going. It is good : I have 
worn it for years.” 

A slight flush passed over Green’s 
face. 

“Shall I not be suspected of 
having aimed at a reward?” he 
asked with some hesitation. 

“ No ! ” cried Elka. “ No one 
who knows you can entertain such 
suspicion. Say, confidently, that 
the watch is a token from a friend, 
who owes you much, very much. 
But now you must rest ; for your 
pale cheeks betray to me that you 
have already exerted yourself be- 
yond your strength. George will 
conduct you to a room where you 
can sleep undisturbed.” 

Without waiting for an answer, 
he rang for his servant, and ordered 
him to show the commissary to the 
room which Altenberg had occu- 
pied. Shaking Green’s hand, he 
then wished him good-night. 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


105 


All desire for sleep had left 
Elka. He was in a state of ex- 
citement which he could not re- 
press, and walked up and down 
the room, giving way to the 
thoughts that whirled through his 
brain. It was now in his power 
to hurl back upon the minister 
the censure he had received from 
him ; and he was firmly resolved 
to do so. 

Without delay, he seated himself 
at his writing-desk, and drew up a 
letter to Altenberg, using the very 
words the minister had employed 
in writing to him. When morning 
began to dawn, a carefully-sealed 
packet lay on his desk, containing 
his letter to Altenberg, the recov- 
ered despatches and the key, the 
letter to Brender which had been 
found by Green, and the one he 
had himself received with reference 
to the minister’s son. 

Months had passed. 

It was a mild, pleasant winter 
day. Elka and Arthur were return- 
ing from the chase, with their rifles 
on their shoulders. Fortune had 
not favored them, for they had not 
shot any thing ; but they seemed, 
nevertheless, to be in the happiest, 
merriest frame of mind. They had 
gone into the woods more for the 
sake of enjoying the pleasant day 
than to shoot game. 

One could hardly recognize the 
baron. His form seemed to have 
become more vigorous and elastic ; 
his cheeks wore the hue of health ; 
and the expression of nervous irri- 
tation had entirely disappeared 
from his face. What a change had 


taken place in both men in this 
short time ! 

Arthur had become Alice’s hus- 
band, and was enjoying a fulness 
of happiness of which he had once 
hardly dared to dream. 

Elka lived on Arthur’s estate, 
and was resolved to spend his last 
days there. A country-seat that 
had formerly belonged to the estate 
became vacant by the sudden death 
of its owner; and this Elka had 
purchased with the remnant of his 
fortune, and joined it once more to 
Arthur’s property; He, too, was 
happy. Rest seemed good to him ; 
and he found great pleasure in 
sharing with Arthur the cares and 
labors of domestic life. Since he 
had been here, he had for the 
first time experienced the full en- 
joyment of a peaceful, happy 
family life. 

The two now walked swiftly 
over the fields towards their home. 

“ Slowly, slowly,” cried Elka 
with a smile ; for Arthur was going 
too fast for him. 

“ I promised Alice to return soon, 
and we are already belated,” an- 
swered Arthur. 

“That is not the reason,” said 
Elka. “ Only tell the truth, and 
say you are impatient to be with 
her again. I rejoice in your hap- 
piness, and hope it will last always.” 

“ My love for Alice will never 
cease,” exclaimed Arthur. “ I 
owe not only my life, but the whole 
happiness of my life, to her.” 

On reaching home, Alice and 
the baroness received them in 
the cosily-furnished sitting-room. 
Alice hastened towards Arthur, 


106 


THE LOST DESPATCH. 


who clasped her in his arms. Elka 
approached his wife. 

“ We return without any prey,” 
said he, extending his hand to her. 
44 But it is your fault; for you 
wished us good luck when we left 
the house, and that is against the 
usage of huntsmen.” 

44 To atone for this, I have a sur- 
prise for you,” replied the baroness, 
looking up at her husband with a 
smil'e. 

44 A surprise ? ” repeated Elka 
sportively. 44 Do you think you 
can so easily excite my curiosity ? ” 

“It is really a surprise,” an- 
swered the baroness, 44 and such a 
one, indeed, that you can have no 
suspicion of it.” 

44 You make me curious, upon 
my word.” 

44 Read this,” said the baroness, 
handing him a newspaper. 

Elka took it quietly; but soon 
his hand began to tremble, his 
cheeks flushed, his eyes sparkled. 

44 Altenberg has been removed. 
The chambers desired his dismissal : 
the prince has yielded to this re- 
quest, and dismissed him, ” he 
cried, looking at his wife with a 
half-amazed, half-inquiring expres- 
sion, as, if he could not yet believe 
the news. 

44 Well, had you any suspicion of 
this surprise ? ” she asked. 

44 No, no ! ” exclaimed Elka, read- 
ing the lines once more. 44 1 did 
not expect this. I know, indeed, 
all the means he has employed to 
strengthen his position, and make 
himself indispensable to the prince. 
I believed he would sustain himself 
for years. He has followed me 


soon. Many will rejoice ; for he ne- 
ver understood how to win friends.” 

44 The paper contains a second 
surprise for you,” remarked the 
baroness. 44 Read on, farther down.” 

The baron read the following 
article : 44 The whole country may 

congratulate itself that a man is at 
length overthrown who has used 
the power and influence of his 
position, not for the welfare of the 
country, but only to promote his 
own interests. Altenberg amassed 
considerable property in his posi- 
tion ; but, as we are informed by • 
reliable men, he has lately lost 
almost every thing. He was fond 
of speculating in the bourse ; and 
experience has taught that even a 
minister may be unlucky there. 
The banking-house S., which was 
closely connected with him, and 
through him lost largely, has with- 
drawn from all connection with 
him. Perhaps the ex-minister will 
now establish a banking-business 
of his own. He has time enough, 
if means are not wanting. Seldom 
has the fall of a man received so 
little pity. Fate has reached even 
him at last.” 

44 Yes, fate has reached him,” 
repeated Elka, when he had read 
these lines. 44 If this news is true, 
the loss of his property will be ten 
times more grievQus to him than 
the loss of his position. His son, 
the captain, will also be obliged to 
lead a very different life. The 
wealth and power of his father have 
helped him out of many disagree- 
able situations. I fear he will 
hardly be able to contain himself.” 

“I do not pity him,” said the 


THE LOST 

baroness. “ Fortunately, he is still 
unmarried, and has no wife and 
family to draw into misery with 
him.” 

Elka understood these words, 
and secretly pressed the hand of 
his wife. 

“ I have long since seen my 
folly,” said he softly, “and am 
happy that I have nothing to repent 
of with regard to Alice’s fate.” 

At this moment, the servant 
brought in a letter, which had just 
been sent by an express messenger 
from the nearest post-office. 

Elba’s face turned red and pale 
as he took the letter, the large seal 
on which he knew only too well. 

The baroness looked at her hus- 
band with eyes full of expectation. 

At length he broke the seal with 
the haste of excitement. His eye 
ran over the letter ; the blood rose 
to his cheek, his brow ; his hand 
trembled slightly. 

“ Oscar, what has happened ? ” 
cried the baroness in consternation. 

Elka looked up. 

“ I am called to a place in the 
newly-formed ministry. It is the 
wish of the prince that I should 
accept a portfolio,” he cried. 

For a moment the baroness 
looked at him in silence, as if she 
would read his decision in his eyes. 


DESPATCH. 107 

“And what will you do ? ” she 
then asked. 

Elka looked at the letter as if 
lost in thought. He seemed to be 
struggling with himself. 

“ What will you do?” repeated 
the baroness. 

“I shall decline the call,” he 
answered in a firm voice. 

“ Oscar, will you not repent of 
.this ? ” said the baroness. 

“ No,” replied Elka. “ This was 
once my highest wish, the aim of 
all my efforts, to which I have sac- 
rificed much, much. I desire it no 
longer, now that I have learned to 
know the full, quiet happiness of 
domestic life. I will stay with you, 
share with you all our little joys 
and sorrows. Ambition is a foolish 
delusion ; and never can it bestow 
upon me the happiness which I 
enjoy here. I stay with you.” 

Alice flew to his breast; the 
baroness seized his hand to thank 
him ; Arthur shouted with delight. 

With a happy, satisfied smile, 
Elka said, “ A Latin poet, Horace, 
began one of his most beautiful 
poems thus : ‘ Beatus ille, qui procul 
negotiis.’ Do you know what that 
means ? Happy he, who, far 
from business, can spend the clos- 
ing years of life in the circle of his 
loved ones; and Horace is right.” 














i 










